The Masterpiece

Alice Carstairs' dream to be free - to once in her life do something that she wants - has finally come true. Through a mistake in her father's will, she gains her inheritance at twenty-five rather the thirty-five, and although it is not enough to make her independent of her brother’s control, she does have enough for a bit of travel, thereby hoping to give herself at least a few fond memories to relive when in her dotage. Yet, her first one is hardly a fond one, having been snubbed by Lord Gifford, when she had only been acknowledging his presence, he going so far as to tell her that he is some German baron from Munich. While on deck that evening she overhears him say that he is planning to steal ‘one of the finest treasure to grace this earth’ from an Italian count. Alice is determined to stop him, convinced that if she were able to warn the Count, the man would be so eternally grateful, he would bestow upon her a reward that would finally see her free of her brother’s grasp. Little does she know her decision will begin a series of events the likes of which will more than satisfy her wish for something to remember, as well as send her on a daring adventure in love.