Recently widowed after a brief marriage, Venetia Duluth finally is invited to meet her late husband's family. Because she is childless, the estate has been inherited by the saturnine Damien Duluth, who considers Venetia an unwelcome guest in his new domain.

When Venetia's visit turns into a lengthy stay, it appears she may have thawed Damien's icy attitude. But then Venetia discovers a disturbing secret--a revelation that threatens to break her newly mended heart.