As “The Necklace” series draws to an end, James and Susan encounter yet more obstacles to their plans for marriage.

Lady Emily falls into a coma when struck down by a falling tree in her garden. Lady Susanna’s stubborn vigil by her bedside creates tension between her and Viscount Lynton and her father, the Duke of Bradford. The duke recommends the engagement be broken due to Susanna’s outrageous behavior and lack of respect for her betrothed.

Then when an outbreak of Scarlatina overcomes Hollingsworth Manor and strikes down Susanna, James fears for her very life. With no antibiotics, he worries the disease will prove fatal.

In the meantime, the mystery of Jame’s father’s death in Vienna three years in the past comes to the fore when his demise is determined to be murder, not a carriage accident. His signet ring and fob watch that went missing are discovered to be a secret means to obtain valuable items of antiquity. Is Lord Stone, Earl of Blackthorn, a fellow collector to the senior Lord Lynton, responsible?

Adding to the obstacles thrown in the young couple’s path, Susan’s mother, the Duchess of Bradford, returns from her banishment to Scotland. Will she once again put a spoke in the wheel to prevent the marriage?