Abstract
Orphaned and alone, the young governess Annie Barrington sail to New Zealand in search of her lost brother. In Auckland, she finds instead a man who offers her happiness, but whose past hides a dark crime. Also, trying to escape the past are Annie's employer, Mrs. Willoughby Watkins, and her stylish friend Mrs. De Costremonge, who discover that conquering colonial high society is not as easy as they hoped. Back in England, Annie's friend Laura Scott waits in vain for news of her absconded husband. When Laura receives a fatal letter from the other side of the world, it threatens to destroy all that Annie holds dear.