A wealthy, bored, angry young man, Andrew, it is predicted, would become heir to an enormous financial empire, founded by his grandfather Lord Simon Danvers, entrepreneur, and much respected gentleman in society. Indecision and procrastination are traits presently occupying Andrew, well recognised by his grandfather and one Thomas Soames, his grandfather’s former Ward, now business partner. Soames, the one relied on, as the son for whom Simon had longed. To be the heir is not what Andrew would choose. He wished to become a modern artist, a man seen for himself, not seen, and sought as “the heir.”
A summons from his grandfather to live in London appealed, offering change from his county property in Dorset, and his possessive, clinging mother, who, despite Andrew’s declared title and inheritance of his father’s flourishing horse breeding property, refused to relinquish her control. As Andrew adapts to his new position in life an illegitimate son is revealed following his first love affair with a lovely young woman, consumed with socialist leanings and a desire to change the world. She deserted Andrew, leaving him devastated when she became aware of his title.
The recollection of a forgotten promise to a child, now a young woman sent him searching for her, finding her starving, and beaten, along with others, by corrupt orphanage carers. The consequences of his neglect became the focus of his attention, beginning his change in direction, hoping to be worthy of the orphanage children’s trust.
It was time to surrender indecision, his wish to be an artist, to contemplate accepting his future, to be an attentive father to his son, to shoulder the massive responsibilities as heir to the House of Danvers. To walk the path fate pressed upon him.