With her father's death, his congregation informs Lavinia Cathcart she can stay in the parsonage only until they appoint a successor. Procrastinating, Lavinia does nothing until the new minister, Mr. Dudley, arrives. He offers a marriage proposal, which Lavinia spurns, opting to marry for love, not convenience.
Desiring a job in cosmopolitan 1899 London, she applies for governess for 10-year-old Tom, son of Baron Gregor von Reiner. The position turns out to be not in London but in California.
Lavinia's first impression of her new home, Castle Reiner, is paradoxical. "A shaft of sunlight made it into a fairy castle, rich and full of good things...With a passing cloud, the sun's light was cut off and the castle transformed into something sinister...a fortress built to repel. Or to imprison those within".
Discoveries within the castle include a secret room, a concealed murder, and two men fighting for her hand in marriage. Lavinia must decide which man to trust. Her life depends on her decision...