Everybody's talking – but what's really going on? Rumour has it that Stella Hutton landed her new job thanks to family connections. She's guarded about her past and private about her new life. Over in Long Dansbury, there's always a rumour circulating about Xander – but the eligible bachelor shrugs off village gossip. Then a rumour starts that Longbridge Hall is up for sale. Home to the eccentric Fortescues, it has dominated Long Dansbury lives for centuries. Stella is summoned to sell the estate. But Xander grew up there. His secrets and memories are not for sale. He'll do anything to stand in Stella's way. Anything but fall in love.