Matilda, Duchess of Hadshire, is virtually a prisoner of her cruel husband, who romances his mistress right under the duchess' nose. Her only joy is dreaming of the handsome Earl of Torridon—for like her, he is trapped in a horrid marriage and longs to find true love and happiness.

Though she secretly wishes for the death of her unkind husband, Matilda never could have imagined the guilt that plagues her when the illustrious duke is befittingly murdered by his own mistress! When Matilda turns to Torridon for comfort, she discovers a few surprises are in store for both of them.