When destitute widow Mary Vale aids an injured man on the road, she is shocked to discover that he is the reclusive Lucas Alastair, Marquis of Rothley! She's intrigued by the dark marquis, but when she offers to nurse him back to health in return for shelter, he proves a difficult patient! Lucas hides some deep emotion beneath his brusque manner, and a stolen kiss leaves her longing for more. Able to help mend his physical injuries, can Mary heal the wounds of his painful past?