James Gaddas

Joe Skinner marries Lily Whitmore, to give a name to her illegitimate child by Lionel, the opportunistic son of an impoverished aristocrat. Lionel, however, has his sights set on Victoria, the cousin of hard-working Bridget Mordaunt. When Joe's brother Fred threatens his marriage plans, Lionel murders him and the blame falls on Joe.

Five young cousins gather at their aunt’s Cornwall home in August 1939. Imminent war and the sultry heat of the summer bring a heady sense of freedom.