The tyrannical Mrs Churchill is convinced someone is trying to kill her. As if she didn't have enough to vex her, she's concerned that Jane Fairfax has won the heart of her nephew, Frank. She has hired the talented and devious Harriet Smith to break up this nascent relationship as well as uncover who might want her dead. With the help of her long-suffering, sensible best friend, Robert Martin, Harriet's list of suspects soon grows - Frank Churchill, Jane Fairfax, Mrs Elton and Wakefield the butler all have means, motive and opportunity. Will Harriet prevent the worst from happening? And will she avoid falling for the charming Frank Churchill herself?