Abstract: Fate denied Adam Loveday his birthright: the family estate, Trevowan, and the boatyard. The intense childhood rivalry between Adam and his elder twin St John continues into childhood. St John has become a lazy, dissolute wastrel, but Adam has fierce family pride in Trevowan and the yard. Merial Sawle has always been attracted to Adam and he is determined to have her. Aware of his father's increasing disapproval, St John fears that Adam will be given the Loveday yard. Consumed with hatred, he puts in motion a plan to ensure that Adam will never get what his heart desires: the boatyard - and Meriel...