Rosie finds it hard to cope with her eldest sister's over-possessive nature. Since the death of their mother Beatrice has been insufferably dominating, taking over the running of the house and ruling their father and servants with an iron hand. She glories in being the mistress at Pine Hurst and never dreams of leaving.

But when the girls' father dies unexpectedly their security is threatened, and Beatrice must lay plans to protect this most prized possession.