Cry of the Peacock

After the death of her father, Abbie Gray is offered a place within her wealthy landlord's family. Such an opportunity, however, seems perhaps too good to be true, particularly since her own family's feelings towards Sir Nicholas and Lady Crawford have always been tinged with resentment. But, at last having exhausted all other alternatives, Abbie accepts the invitation, determined to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity. While Abbie is being groomed according to the ideals of Society-and of the eldest son, heir to title and property-the younger brothers attempt to expose her as the mercenary they believe she must be. But when they discover that her mysterious past is disturbingly connected with their own, they are forced to ask themselves some very hard questions about the meaning of integrity and honor. What does it mean to be worthy of the title "gentleman"? And what, after all, is the price of a woman's heart?