Shaft of Sunlight

The Viscount Frome is in love, and intends to marry Claribel Stamford, belle of the Social Set, as quickly as possible. She is young,beautiful, charming and rich ? in fact he considers her the perfectmatch. The only drawback is that he needs the permission of his uncle, the Duke of Alverstrode before he can propose.The Duke, a morecautious man experienced in the wiles of aspirational young women,suggests a visit to Claribel?s home to meet her doting father SirJarvis, the well known race-horse owner. That way, the Duke can get to know Claribel and her father and set his mind at rest beforewelcoming her into his illustrious family.Impressed by StamfordTowers, but eager to escape the heady charm offensive of Claribel andher father, the Duke cannot shake the instinct that something is notright and remains on his guard.Even so, he is shocked to discovera sad young woman, Giona, alone watching the sunset over themagnificent gardens. He is astonished to discover that she is theniece of Sir Jarvis, but lives hidden away like a ?skeleton in thecloset?.Horrified by her story of mistreatment, and intrigued bythe mystery that surrounds her, the Duke offers Giona his protectionand vows to uncover the family secret and restore her fortunes.But Sir Jarvis is just as committed to keeping his family secrets buriedforever and will stop at nothing to keep his reputation intact.Two determined men, both used to getting their own way, but thistime only one of them can win.