Gerald Wyndham, only son of a poor English rector and beloved brother of seven sisters, falls in love with rich and beautiful Valentine Paget. Her obsessive and evil father allows Gerald to marry her on condition that he can enjoy a year's full life with her. Gerald's life is heavily insured and he agrees to impersonate death only to save Valentine from dishonour and knowledge of her father's evil. Meanwhile, a former suitor, Adrian Carr, takes Gerald's place as curate, eventually falling for Gerald's sister. Things start to go awry fast, despite Valentine falling in love with Gerald. Mr Paget tries to do a shady deal with Gerald to collect his insurance money (following the latter's fake death) but Gerald leaves for Sydney. Mr Paget prevents Valentine's last ditch effort to meet Gerald at Southampton. Gerald is lost at sea, Valentine has a son and Mr Paget's business remains solvent ... Reunions three years later reveal Gerald working for the poor in East London. Further twists and turns occur before repentance and restitution. (PB)
