When Sophia Gardner decided to invoke the reputed powers of the Midnight Oak to send her a lover, it was mainly because she was borded .. Then, perhaps because the tree was cursed as well as charmed, unforeseen incidents began to break to the tedium. The infuriating, Mr Carleton moves into the Grange, the young gentleman of her choice is attacked and left for dead, there is talk of smugglers, and Sophie is sent in disgrace to stay with her least favourite relatives.. But there the mystery deepens. Puzzling and even violent events take place before the Midnight Oak lives up to its reputation, and Sophia's lover declares himself.