Harriet, a single-minded fossil collector, summons lonely landowner Gabriel St. Justin to Upper Biddleton. She suspects thieves are storing their loot in the caves she’s exploring for fossils. And having just discovered a fossilized tooth, attached to a jawbone, she’s extremely concerned that no-one but her should take credit for said discovery, or indeed subsequent discoveries in the caves. The hulking Gabriel has a dreadful reputation: he’s known as the Beast of Blackthorne Hall after people claim he callously dumped his pregnant fiancée, who then shot herself. Rubbish, says Harriet, quite unmoved by the gossip or St. Justin’s grim, savagely scarred face. He is a kind man, quite incapable of that sort of thing. Kind? gasps the disbelieving ton… But Harriet is falling in love with Gabriel. She erupts spectacularly every time someone calls him a Beast, or maligns his name. He is nonplussed to find himself championed in society by this fierce, unusual woman. You will love the sparkling, witty dialogue (arguments…) between Gabriel and Harriet. Such fun! And it’s very moving to watch the tortured Gabriel blossom and fall in love, all due to the efforts of the determined Harriet. A classic, special Quick for your keeper shelf!