In 1897, Sarah, a disillusioned missionary in Sierra Leone, feels compelled to write the story of her turbulent life, her remarkable family in colonial Sydney, and the mysteries in her Aunt Harriet's past - a rich story of death and deceit that spans three continents.The powerful influence of Sarah Lydgate's charismatic aunt has dominated the course of her life and shaped her choices - even of a husband.When proudly English Aunt Harriet, ever scornful of the 'convict taint', returns to London, the young Sarah is left confused, uncertain of her own identity. She is, after all, the granddaughter of the irascible Bartholomew Stokes, a wealthy brewer who is proud of his convict origins. Sarah is anchored to the colonial world of gold rushes, Cobb and Co, bark huts and bushrangers, but constantly yearns for escape and reunion with Aunt Harriet and the tantalizing refinements of London.When Sarah finally get to London, will Aunt Harriet's legacy prove to be gold . . . or dross? Does her devotion to Aunt Harriet ever waver? Does she regret spurning her long-suffering suitor, Angus Cole? Sarah turns the spyglass inward, delivering self-revelations and the answers to family intrigues with her own brand of cynical humor."Wonderful Aussie characters - and colonial society under scrutiny."