Eight years ago, Louise spent the night in the arms of her first love, Alex, the illegitimate son of her family's housekeeper. She awoke to find herself alone, and soon learned that her stepmother's jewelry had been stolen during the night. She angrily accused Alex of the theft. After Alex was cleared of the charges, he left town, never knowing that Louise was already carrying his child. . .

Alex has never forgotten the pain Louise caused him when she wrongly accused him of committing a crime. After discovering his real father was a Spanish aristocrat, Alex went to live with him, vowing never to return to England or to Louise. He's made his fortune in Spain, but when he receives an anonymous message concerning Louise, he can't resist the temptation to return once more to Helpcote Manor. . .