Hilda Hastings gives birth in shame, but when John Rust proposes marriage, it seems her son can only benefit. But even as a child, Alfred is discontented. In his quest to become prosperous and with an obsessive desire to own Ridley Hall and its estate, he cheats his wife, takes a mistress and schemes his way to amassing great wealth. Vain, extravagant and with a penchant for the seedy, he is not only wicked, but crafty as well. Yet, as he acquires...