Like a wilderling a cultivated flower that manages to live in the wild Lucienne Rochford has survived her terrible early years in France. Although born into the British aristocracy, Lucy was raised in obscurity first in a French convent and then in a Parisian brothel. At 16, she is restored to her rightful place as the daughter of the Rochford family, but a devastating betrayal by her father fires her determination to seek wealth and independence at any cost. She learns the ways of society and catches the eye of the handsome and noble Count Alexis Zemski, who swears his love and agrees to...

Young, headstrong and wilful, Zandra Rochford marries her first love, Anthony Wisson, believing that his success and strength of character match his good looks and extraordinary generosity. She is unaware that it is her connection to the respected Rochford family that has prompted his offer of marriage. As her eyes are opened to the truth of her husband's cruelty, she turns more frequently to Guy Bristow, her husband's personal assistant, whose values and ideals match her own.
On the outbreak of the Second World War, Guy is captured at Dunkirk and now not only he but all the members of the...