The lives of Patrick and Srella are intertwined; childhood sweethearts, young marrieds; and then, as they grow together into maturity, they have children; in spite of some problems that affect everyone, they seem content and settled. But the past is always with Patrick and Stella, and always a part of their present. Throughout their lives, the bright but menacing shadow of the glittering, rich, artificial Eloise seems to fall accross their path. What is the secret of their son Dominic's parentage? Should Stella accept an unexpected legacy, that brings with it riches but pehaps, also guilt? And what will Stella's relationship be with the enigmatic, handsome Lucas? Joyce Muriel has woven here a tapestry of human feeling and of the deep emotions that are the common inheritance of humanity.