When the death of her husbandthe sadistic Duke of Blyfordleaves Lilly a young widow, she decides to adopt the role of the aloof Duchess of Blyford, and keep her real self hidden far away.
But her plan is complicated by the unexpected appearance of Henry Thomas, the man she had planned to marry before the duke made his sudden proposal. And Henry is furious with Lilly for leaving him without any explanation to make her advantageous marriage.
Both characters flee Londonand each otherto an estate in the country, only to find their paths crossing again. And to find they are still magnetically drawn to each other. But can Henry forgive Lilly for leaving him years earlier? And can Lilly, damaged by the duke's cruelties, risk opening her heart to Henry?