London, 1856. Sitting alone at home, Trudie is bored to distraction and, at seventeen, longs for her life to change and to breathe the fresh air of adventure. Independent, intelligent and defiant - all qualities her harsh, puritanical father finds abhorrent in a woman - she dreams of escape. So, when she meets her brother's friend, Jeremy Maddock, she falls in love not only with him but also with his exciting plan to open a new emporium in Regent Street. Within days of their marriage, Jeremy returns to his plantation in Malacca. Two years pass before the still innocent Trudie makes the arduous and dangerous journey out East to join him - only to make a shocking discovery that turns her whole world upside down. Set against the rich background of 19th century Singapore and Malacca, this novel bring to life a vivid world of heady romance and exotic adventure. Here is a saga of a daring young woman who has the courage to seek happiness and love - and the determination to find it.