Victorian England in the late1860’s. Fifteen year-old Alyse Marrack has been deposited on the doorstep of her distant relatives, the situation proves to be fortuitous for both the young lady and the occupants of Marrack Hall.
The opportunities in regards to employment for women at this time are limited, and Alyse has few skills that would allow her to survive, thus, she agrees to a marriage of convenience to her cousin James Marrack. She would have a place to live while her husband traveled to America in the hope of replenishing the family coffers.
The old manor house in southern Cornwall provides the setting for an encounter with a ghostly entity that inhabits the place and becomes an integral part of the young woman’s life. In addition to the spirit… is the reserved and traditional grand-father-in-law, the down to earth housekeeper and her talented, street wise, husband who teaches Alyse the art of pickpocketing.
After several years of hard work and determination Alyse assumes a second persona of Madam d’Este a designer of fashions. Her talent in creating trendy couture takes her to London where she meets a man of mystery who offers romance and excitement; together they seek to right a wrong that leads to unexpected twists.
Alyse must make a decision, does she accept the exciting, yet forbidden romance, experience a love beyond the conventional, or continue to honor the family name of Marrack, and the bargain she struck when little more than a desperate child.