Set in the 1860s, this tells of Caroline Vernon, a proud businesswoman who is in firm control of her life, her work and her family She lives with her young cousin, Edward, grooming him to succeed her as head of the family bank Then 14 year-old Hester and her widowed mother join the ranks of dependent relatives and, as Hester grows up, Catherine finds that she has met her match in this strong- willed girl They battle for the love of the same man