This is an engaging historical tale from a much-loved author. Rose Paton doesn't think she'll be singing at second-rate pub The White Horse for much longer. After all, she's got good looks, youth, talent - and the prettiest new parasol - on her side. But when mysterious stranger Marcus Bennley asks her to be his birthday present to his sister Marie - by singing at her party - she accepts, with only a little trepidation. It won't lead to greater things, but it will lead to half a guinea - more than two weeks' wages. To Rose's excitement, the party is more than she could ever have hoped for. Marcus' sisters seem to love her, and his younger brother, Steven, promises to introduce her to his friend, who's looking for a talented singer to employ. But is everything as it seems, or is Rosie making a terrible mistake in entangling herself with the Bennleys?