After her father's death, Sophie Petheram is invited by her godfather Monsieur Bernard de Cressac to stay at his house. With the death of her father leaving her family in financial troubles, Sophie has no choice but to agree to stay in Monsieur de Cressac's Wyndriven Abbey until her brothers help to get their family back on its feet. But Monsieur de Cressac has other plans than just being Sophie's guardian for the time being and his intentions of wanting to marry her become clear as he showers her with gifts of expensive jewels and exotic dresses. Although Sophie admires Monsieur de Cressac's handsome looks and his expansive wealth, she can't help but be disturbed by his sometimes explosive temper and controlling behavior. Also troubling are the rumors surrounding his previous wives who all seemed to have died in mysterious circumstances. As Monsieur de Cressac's behavior turns more and more controlling, Sophie realizes that she has to escape from Wyndriven Abbey before whatever fate befell de Cressac's wives comes to her too. But escaping is not as easy as Sophie thinks as de Cressac himself is getting suspicious of the seemingly flighty Sophie.
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Best part of story, including ending:
The gothic atmosphere is lush and disturbing ,and Bernard de Cressac was the perfect villain in every way.
Best scene in story:
The scene where Sophie discovers the box of teeth in de Cressac's room. This was the scene when Sophie realizes the true, chilling extent of de Cressac's sociopathic mind.
Opinion about the main character:
Sophie was a bit airheaded in the beginning when de Cressac was lavishing gifts on her, but she changes for the better as the story progresses.
