On his return from India, the Earl of Rayburne finds his estate in shambles, his people in want, and majestic Rayburne Castle itself shockingly neglected. In the Earl's absence, his uncle has absconded with everything he could lay his hands on, and the Earl is destitute... Honor bound to provide for those who depend on him, the Earl agrees to a bitter bargain marriage, sight unseen, with the young daughter of his Father's ancient enemy! The Honorable Ansella Frazer, innocent pawn of her father's ambition, is terrified of this irresistible stranger who is her husband. Divided by the circumstances surrounding their marriage, the couple is united in a breathtaking moment of peril. And what necessity has joined, love now blesses, entwining two brave and beautiful hearts forever!