"The priest is ordained, the marriage valid."

That's what the note planted in her glove had said, and Carol Goodwin, pinch-hitting for the movie's deserting star, saw her holiday adventure turn into a nightmare.

Was she really married to Nicolas Xatahn, powerful lord of Gozo? He seemed to think so and was convinced Carol had contrived the whole situation.

His family pride and tradition demanded a proper ceremony, and once again Carol faced a priest with a man who had stolen her heart, but whose anger and contempt left them no chance of happiness.