For Newport Rhode Islandrsquos high society the summer of brings lawn parties sailboat raceshellipand murder Having turned down the proposal of Derrick Andrews Emma Cross has no imminent plans for matrimonymdashlet alone motherhood But when she discovers an infant left on her doorstep she naturally takes the child into her care Using her influence as a cousin to the Vanderbilts and a society page reporter for the Newport Observer Emma launches a discreet search for the babyrsquos mother One of her first stops is a lawn party at Mrs Caroline Astorrsquos Beechwood estate But an idyllic summerrsquos day is soon clouded by tragedy During a sailboat race textile magnate Virgil Monroe falls overboard There are prompt accusations of foul playmdashand even Derrick Andrews falls under suspicion Deepening the intrigue a telltale slip of lace may link the abandoned child to the drowned man But as Emma navigates dark undercurrents of scandalous indiscretions and violent passions shersquoll need to watch her step to ensure that no one lowers the boom on herhellip.
