Wounded both mentally and physically in the Peninsular War in 1812, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing him next in line to inherit the estate. Unwillingly, Anthony faces his task of choosing a wife, although his mother's young companion Amelia Clarke is the only one who seems to be able to chase away his demons. Trouble stalks the couple, from compromising situations to social class differences to revengeful dukes, as they try to navigate toward love and healing.