The absorbing spider’s web, entwining fantasy and reality begins in 1973. Susan Kerner, a young Boston college student, and Larry Eastwood, a young lawyer she has just met, have been enticed to the Brabissant’s mansion by the Mackey’s, a charming elderly Irish couple who are struck by Susan’s strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, long dead daughter of the family for whom they work. They view Veronica’s picture in her room untouched by time. Susan is induced to impersonate Veronica for a while to solace the only living Brabissant, her addled sister living in the past and believing Veronica’s alive and angry with her. But once dressed in Veronica’s clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role – and locked in Veronica’s room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935 pretending to be an imaginary Susan?