Prentice and Arabella Eton, an elderly couple deeply-committed to their philanthropic interests, want to leave a legacy to their great-grandchildren that is more than financial. The Etons want the heirs to understand their family roots and heritage and to appreciate the stewardship that their inherited wealth will demand. The couple hires ghostwriter Nell Bane to write a double memoir that tells the individual and joint stories of husband and wife. When the Etons present the finished memoir to the great-grandchildren, they request Nell's presence and Nell finds herself mediating the differences between the generations and trying to diffuse the violent emotions that erupt. Ethics, psychology and intrigue are the hallmarks of a Nell Bane novel. As the ghostwriter delves into her clients' stories, she is drawn into their lives as well.