A haunting love story set in the Channel Islands and New Zealand in the 19th century. William, whose hypnotic, masculine presence made two women adore him... of Marianne, moody, passionate, brilliant, by whom William was both fascinated and repelled... of Marguerite, Marianne's beautiful sister whom William wanted with all his heart. They had both loved him for years. Now they were waiting for him to return from his journeys and claim his bride.