This novel revolves around Thomas Longleat's political crisis and the maturation of his daughter. The author weaves the father's and the daughter's stories together. Thomas Longleat had risen from humble beginnings to become Premier of Leichardt's Land. His political judgment is clouded by passion when he uses his position to spend time with a colleague's wife. His eldest daughter, Honoria, is caught between adolescence and womanhood. She is headstrong, and without a mother to guide her. She rejects every eligible suitor. When she is charmed by Hardress Barrington, a visiting English nobleman and a rising politician loyal to her father. Little did she know that he had no intention of marrying her, the daughter of a self-made man and that he had plans to set her up as his mistress.
