A mother who cannot face her future. A daughter who cannot escape her past. No moon in sight, Donald observed, resting his forehead lightly on the glass. No Highlanders either. Theyll arrive soon enough. Marjory extinguished the candle by her bed, shrouding the room in darkness. Sleep while you can. And keep that bonny young wife of yours close at hand. Aye. The smile in his voice was unmistakable. So I shall. Edinburgh 1745 -- Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr, a widow of substantial means, has two passions in life: maintaining her place in society and coddling her two grown sons. Lady Elisabeth Kerr, wife of the elder son, harbors a dark family secret, buried long ago in distant Aberdeenshire. When tragedy strikes, Janet Kerr, wife of the younger son, finds the ties binding her to Marjory and Elisabeth slowly unraveling.