Two years ago, Gillian Cameron rebelled against society and her parents by falling in love with a scoundrel. Finding herself ruined, and then shunned by her parents, Gillian was at her wits end until a compassionate doctor hired her as a companion for his marriageable daughter, Arabella. After a surprise announcement that an arranged marriage to the Earl of Straithern is being planned for Arabella, Gillian accompanies her to the estate of her future husband. Gillian watches enviously as Arabella's carefree life swirls around her, especially with the charismatic earl.

After the abrupt deaths of his two brothers, Grant Roberson, tenth Earl of Straithern, rejects the doctor's diagnosis of a fatal hereditary blood disease. Grant believes an unknown person has poisoned his brothers and logically assumes he will be the next target. Grant proposes an arranged marriage with a neighbor to ensure an heir if he is not successful in finding the killer. When his future bride arrives for a visit, it's the companion who catches his eye. He recognizes a similar loneliness and grief that envelops Gillian. Grant ignores his conscious and attempts to seduce her.

Gillian, who once risked everything for love, finds she did not learn her lesson as she succumbs to Grant's charm. She teases and bedevils Grant and the coldness that had engulfed him begins to melt. Their idyllic time comes to an abrupt end when the killer strikes again.

Ms. Ranney excels in writing complicated, emotional tales that delve into the darker side of human nature. Her flawed characters rail at injustices while trying to overcome their own imperfections. The drama increases as she interjects a menacing evil that threatens Gillian and Grant.