Life has been tearing Shirley from one path to the other. As her mother is dying, she learns that her father is the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Once she finds her father and convinces him to keep her, Shirley is pushed into the high society of London. Every particle of her being is watched by the prim proper company. Armand Cross soon become enchanted by the young Shirley. Fate tears them apart as she is attacked in the streets and sent off for safety. Taking refuge within her uncle's family, she meets Charlotte. Instantly the two become great friends and lead on many adventures together. On the last night in their company, the family attends a ball in honor of the Queen. Who does she meet there? A mysterious man who attracts yet repels her. Quickly learning that it is the wealthy Edmund Johnson has taken in interest in her she flees back to London where she is rushed into a marriage with handsome doting Armand. Not long after their marriage, Shirley begins to regret her hasty marriage choice as Armand has become distant and cold. Comfort is not to be found when Charlotte announces that she is now married to Edmund Johnson. That is not all that takes Shirley by surprise; Charlotte is pregnant So much joy is to be found inside her life yet none touches her heart. Armand's attentions travel far away leaving Shirley no choice but to take comfort in the arms of her best friend's husband, Edmund. Still being in love with her, Edmund embraces the new affection with a constant affection Shirley has never known. Who is Shirley to choose in this life of mystery and deception? The only one Shirley can truly find knowledge is from her doting father who has always welcomed her with the fullest support. So who is Shirley to choose? Join Shirley in her journey to the brink of disaster, temptation of sin, and the true acts of love. Coming into her own, Shirley discovers what it means to be a free woman in the times where a good woman is a quiet woman.