Abandoned by her scoundrel fiancé, Faith Merridew understands perfectly well that only immediate marriage can restore her reputation. However, the wound inflicted on her heart and pride is too deep to trust a man again... The stern hero of the Napoleonic warriors, Nicholas Blacklock, whose past hides a dangerous secret, needs the mistress of the house - and therefore he invites Faith to enter into a fictitious marriage with him... No obligations? No marital responsibilities? Polite relationships - and nothing more? Both Nicholas and Faith believe so, until one day loneliness, sadness and thirst for passion throw them into each other's arms...