A historical romance in the Jane Austen tradition, set is pastoral England.
Highly independent Perdita Ellison, a sworn spinster by choice, has fallen on hard times and is forced to work for a living. She finds solace, however, in her piano playing.
The well-meaning George Fairhurst, her lovelorn suitor, has helped her and her brother in their time of financial struggle. Feeling indebted to him, she reluctantly promises to marry him in a moment of pressured obligation.
When the long absent landlord, Roland Argyle, of Cedarwood Estate returns unexpectantly, Perdita finds herself drawn to the formidable landlord.
Ultimately, however, disaster strikes, banishing him from everything he loves to face a horrifying fate.
Will Perdita remain a willing spinster, after all?