Lady Serena Buxton follows her husband from England to Cold Creek, a gold mining town in northern Californian. But, when she arrives, Randolph is missing.The sheriff seems to be keeping a watchful eye on her. She cannot trust Douglas King, the mine manager, who treats her as if she is already a widow. The bank manager refuses her request for access to Randolph's account. With no husband and no money, what is a girl to do?Serena has an unsuspected and quite shocking talent. Two enterprising local ladies help Serena prepare for a public performance, but the only suitable venue in town belongs to Douglas King, a man she mistrusts but with whom she strikes a deal.The whole town turns out to see the show. The venue is packed. But who is in the crowd, watching? Will King insist on exacting his fees? And will Serena be reunited with the husband she loves?