Miss Abigail Linton was once a child who, when faced with trouble, found peace in being rescued by her friend Richard Seton. Now, as an adult, Abigail believes that one day she will fall in love with a man and marry him. Unfortunately, those hopes are destroyed when her domineering father, seeking to expand his business interests, demands that she allow a man she detests to court her.
Richard Seton, Duke of Prindleton, has loved Abigail since they were young, yet he never had the courage to tell her. Even now, when a chance meeting brings the two together, he still lacks the strength to speak the words.