The Chalbourne sapphires

the long version

"Amy van Allen leaves America to spend Christmas with her English friend Olivia. On disembarking at Bristol, Amy learns that Olivia's sister-in-law, Lady Chalbourne, has been killed. Chalbourne Park is in mourning. Then snow forces Amy to shelter at the home of Olivia's lover, Charles Pemberton. Amy likes Charles, and is appalled to learn that he is accused by Jonathan, Lord Chalbourne, of seducing the late Lady Chalbourne, and stealing a famous sapphire necklace. Amy forms a dislike for Jonathan, who treated his wife cruelly. The two soon fall out, but she stays to help Olivia prove Charles' innocence. Only then does Amy see another side of her handsome, enigmatic host, a man with a dark and tragic secret." -- BOOK JACKET.