The legend of the Peckham necklace, a fabled emerald necklace owned by the Archers, foretells death for anyone who dares to possess it. Certainly, it has brought the Archers nothing but heartache. So Oriana is relieved it's missing, assuming it ever existed outside of a far-fetched tale. She has enough difficulties protecting her uncle-and her heart--from his dangerous new friend, Chilton Dacy. However, when Oriana accidentally discovers the necklace, the curse reawakens. A man is murdered, and the Archers are in desperate trouble, again. Oriana is now left with a frightening choice, accept Chilton's help to find the real murderer or face the hangman's noose.