Merlake Towers dominates a remote island off the rugged Cornish coast.There, early in Victoria's reign, comes Jade-Anna, desperate to escape the memories of a lost love and from her degrading position as a poor relation.But what awaits her at Merlake Towers is no escape.Not even when she becomes bride to its owner, Ivan Sterne.For not only is he a force to be reckoned with, but also a mystery pervades the brooding wierdness of the island, a mystery that jade-anna is determined to unravel.