To save her from an unwanted marriage, the dashing, devilishly handsome Spencer Keenan agrees to wed Emma Chambers in name only. It seems a bargain made in heaven: he will be able to go off to war and adventure while she gets to live comfortably on his family's estate. But after being wounded, Spencer returns to his home to recuperate, and is shocked to find it in disrepair. And the timid young girl he married is now a beautiful, capable, captivating lady who has single-handedly taken care of his family's home in the most trying of circumstances. Emma believes he ignored her pleas for help, but Spencer intends to set things right, not only because it is his duty, but because Emma's fiery spirit moves him in ways he never thought possible.