Lord Gabriel Morrowby's wounds have never healed. After an accident in a mineshaft, his life is full of pain. The pain in his heart is even deeper, for he knows the darkest of betrayals. Isolated in his manor, he spends all his hours trying to improve the lives of local people. Despite his wish to do good, his heart is forever closed. One day, at a friend's insistence, a formidable and capable lady arrives at his manor to assist him. Surely, she will mean nothing to him. But day by day, she tempts him to take a chance on hope and love. Years of pain harden his heart. Can it ever soften to love?