Lady Minerva Broome invites her penniless orphaned niece Kate to her secluded estate and begs her to feel at home. She treats her like an heiress and showers her with gifts and lovely clothes. Before long though, Kate discovers that everyone at Staplewood is under virtual house arrest, and sees her own last tie with the world outside gently severed. Only then does she learn of Aunt Minerva's appalling plans for her - plans that involve a wild-eyed boy with an angel's face and a magnetic young man who seems her only hope of rescue.