"It is 1912, and Maisie Porter stands on the deck of the SS Oceanic as England fades from view. Her destination- Buccaneer Bay in Australia's far north-west. Her destiny- marriage to her cousin Maitland, a wealthy pearling magnate - and a man she has never met. Also on board ship is William Cooper, the Royal Navy's top man. Following an edict from the Australian government, he and eleven other 'white' divers have been hired to replace the predominantly Asian pearl workers. However Maitland and his fellow merchants have no intention of employing them for long. Maisie too is experiencing a surprisingly cool welcome in her new home. Already confused by the hastily arranged marriage, she is shocked by her husband's often indifferent - sometimes cruel - behaviour towards her. As Maisie begins helping in the pearling business she grows closer to the charming Cooper. But in doing so realises her husband is keeping many secrets - some of them deadly. Cooper is in danger - not just from the sea - and it will take all of her courage and wits to keep him safe."--Provided by publisher.