Bitter deception.

"The man is a recluse," her boss had warned her

But Sophie was an experienced journalist, and while visiting the cottage left her by a great-uncle in a remote area of France, she was not averse to mixing business with pleasure.

Surprisingly Fabien, the Comte de Cressac, proved very accessible--and irresistible. Then she discovered that he wanted her cottage for himself.

Yet Sophie was not without blame. She sought the tragic secret of this proud mountain climber who had suddenly abandoned his sophisticated life-style. And she knew when all was revealed that their growing love would forever be destroyed.