When tragedy struck Commonwood and the household was disbanded, Uncle Toby took Carmel on a voyage to Australia, where she found contentment, although she was always haunted by the mysterious happenings at Commonwood before she left and years later felt an irresistible impulse to go back Renewing her acquaintance with her childhood friend, Lucian Crompton, she learned of the outcome of the events of years ago, but could not rest until she had unlocked the secrets of her childhood