At the beginning of the twentieth century, Rowena inherits a house from her paternal grandparents in Italy, and also an unusual piece of jewelry. Both inheritances intrique her. In order to find out more about her mysterious ancestors she sails from New York to Italy. There she learns about the love affair of her grandparents, who were caught in a vicious web of social discrimination, unbending parental authority and in their own ambivalence between responsibilities abd the desire for personal fulfillment. Their life was deeply influenced by friendships and losses and by the moral standards of the eighteenth century. As they mature and discover what is truly valuable in life, they find a most unconventional solution to their problem. Their great, romantic love and their capacity for sacrifices change Rowena's cynical attitude about love.

Also available from this author THIS OLD HOUSE BY THE LAKE.