Richard and his German girlfriend Helena continue to live out their private passion play of bondage and SM, with all the elaborate touches that their rural life can afford. And with the arrival of Helena's foster-mother, Ingrid, it becomes a family affair. Even Helena's imperious aunt Margaret no longer wants to spoil the party - or does she? As Richard's tame dominatrix she seems to want nothing more than to join in their fantasies. But can Richard be sure that she doesn't want to keep him all to herself? The latest in G.C. Scott's powerful series of novels about the realities of domination and submission