"Charlotte, a gifted but broken jazz singer, believes she has found a home under the roof of a wealthy patroness of the arts. Sheltered from the city at large, Charlotte becomes increasingly isolated and dependent. When she falls into a state of silence, she learns that in this opulent enclave her worth is tied directly to her voice. Without it, she is dispensible. The one person to offer true support is the impetuous young Theo, who has re-entered her life and is stirring things up. Finally she is compelled to choose between complacency and autonomy."--Page 4 of cover.