An epic tale of love and mystery written in the great romantic tradition. Martha Leigh's arrival at Mount Mellyn, an eerie mansion set high on the Cornish cliffs, leaves her with a sense of deep foreboding. She is dreading her new life as a governess, particularly when she meets her arrogant employer, Con TreMellyn and his precocious young daughter Alvean. Martha quickly realizes why three governesses before her had left that cold and brooding house. Even stranger, the sinister air that surrounds the place is encouraged by the neighbours and servants, who seem eager to give hints and fuel rumours about haunted rooms, strange accidents and past infidelites. When Martha's resolve to stay on however, is quickened by her growing fondness for Alvean and an unwilling attraction towards Con TreMellyn, she becomes determined to unravel the mysteries that surround the family, a decision that ultimately threatens her own life.