From the day of her mother's death to her husband's murder, Francesca has known only hatred, violence and jealousy. Until, fleeing her past to forge a new life in England, Francesca at last finds kindness - and with Patrick Devlin, true, passionate love...

But a peasant girl from Italy is no asset to an aspiring politician, and Patrick ends their affair, leaving Francesca to rebuild her world a second time. Yet, as she gradually makes her name as a fashion designer and he is promoted to the cabinet, neither can forget what they once shared.

And Francesa's past is never far behind...