Virginia seeks refuge on a Mediterranean island, only to find her solitude disrupted by the unexpected presence of a man from her past. Seeking to escape her current circumstances, Virginia views the island as a sanctuary for reflection and peace. Her plans are complicated by the arrival of Peter Lesley, an acquaintance she previously dismissed as arrogant. The narrative follows her internal conflict as she navigates the tension between her desire for distance and the undeniable pull of his presence, all while questioning the sincerity of his intentions.

This work fits squarely within the tradition of mid-century romantic fiction, emphasizing the emotional friction between two characters forced into proximity. The narrative relies on the classic setup of a retreat that fails to provide the expected emotional distance. Readers likely find the pacing to be steady and focused on the psychological shifts of the protagonist as she reevaluates her initial judgments. The story suggests a focus on the nuances of attraction and the difficulty of maintaining defenses when faced with persistent charm.