Nothing is ever as it seems. Especially when you work at 13 Park Lane... 1872. Marguerite has fled to London, leaving behind a traumatic past in Paris. When she is offered work as a cook for mysterious French widow Madame Riel, she seizes the chance to start afresh. But as soon as Marguerite arrives, she is stifled by the tension in the house - and before long she comes to resent her stingy and volatile employer, as well as her unfriendly housemaid. Just as Marguerite is about to resign, Madame Riel's beautiful actress daughter Julie returns to the house and charms her into staying. But Julie's presence creates new toxic waves of emotion - until someone finally snaps and murders Madame Riel. Why is 13 Park Lane so full of hatred? What secrets does the household guard? And can any of its inhabitants escape the shackles of their past?