Lady Lillian Innesford, oldest daughter of the Williams family, withdrew from society seven years ago. A governess now, she carries a secret that has drained all life from her.
Jasper Thomsett, new butler to the Williams family, is the first and only person to realize the nature of Lilly’s troubles. Retired with the highest honours after the Crimea War, he seeks a quiet life, but Lilly’s secret will rip their world apart.