The Duke of Lochmore lives in the castle with his young son Jamie after the death of his wife. Yielding to the requests of his in-laws, Benneit hires a young widow, Joan Langdale, to look after her son. At first, he treats the governess with hostility, but over time, seeing with what attention and tenderness Joan treats Jamie, he increasingly turns his attention to her. Benneit soon becomes convinced that underneath his modest appearance lies a bright, passionate nature, and develops a deep feeling for the young woman. Joan's heart is filled with love for the stern Scot, but she does not dare to dream of becoming a duchess - Benneith is bound by a promise to another woman...