The coming-of-age of Frieda, a girl of high birth but initially with few prospects, set in the early nineteenth century at the start of the Victorian Age.Frieda, daughter of a Baron, is highly intelligent, prodigiously talented and remarkably beautiful. Her elder brother, Nathan Gascoyne, will inherit the title and all that goes with it. She is entitled to nothing more than a handsome legacy to facilitate in finding a husband. Her sister, Eunice, who is the eldest of the three, is a pernicious virago who takes pleasure in making her little sister’s life miserable.We follow Frieda from birth to her majority as she develops to become someone quite extraordinary. Driven by her intellect, Frieda has an insatiable desire to learn and try new things. However, all an upper-class girl in the early nineteenth century requires is a set of accomplishments that will make her attractive on the marriage market; no more. Frieda will not comply; she bucks this trend – with dire consequences. Whilst fate seems to conspire against Frieda, and whilst her oft reckless endeavours get her into considerable trouble, luck is very much on her side. Behind it all lurks secrets and intrigues that will ultimately shape her future. As Queen Victoria ascends to the throne, Frieda reaches maturity, a young woman far ahead of her time.