Cristi is left an unexpected legacy by her late grandfather. She has had no contact with her mother's family since leaving Brazil as a child; they are strangers who have remained silent, hostile and inaccessible. In the light of this, coming into a startling sum of money as well as a cattle ranch is not only confusing, but merits a visit to Brazil. This means leaving her beloved Drumveyn and Dougal. And when Dougal learns that Cristi is an heiress he feels that the gulf between them has become far too wide to cross. During her Brazilian interlude, Cristi is very attracted to her handsome cousin, Luis, until she discovers he's only after her money. So she returns to Drumveyn to persuade Dougal that they have a future together.