The calm of Hester Mallow's life seemed indestructible and brought little or no surprise. Then her sister Louise returned home after seven years. Nervous, beautiful, magnetic, she was a presence to contend with, and Hester watched as her beloved Julian began to fall under her sister's spell. But this is not her only, or biggest, worry. Several days before Louise's arrival, Hester had been the sole witness to a murder. She told no one and the face of the dying man haunts her mercilessly. Still, she is glad to have her sister at home and she soon becomes Louise's constant companion - and confidante. But the responsibilities that come with Louise's revelations are devastating... and perhaps too much for her to endure.