Sarah Jane Fearing has grown up in the imposing rural mansion of one of England's most influential banking families. At the centre of Sarah's world is her uncle, Frank, who has escaped the straitjacket of ponderous respectability. Frank offers Sarah hope, until his extravagant lifestyle leads him into a disastrous marriage.

Originally published: as by Bernard Bastable. New York: Carroll & Graf, 1998. As by Robert Barnard. London: Allison & Busby, 2011.