Portia Cromptom grew up in India, where her father operated a successful business. When her mother caught her kissing the maharajah's son, she uses the opportunity to bring her children to London.

Mrs. Crompton longs to be accepted into society. She is convinced that her husband's money will secure her the position she desires. Portia's advantageous marriage will do even more to bring her the place she desires.

Portia is being courted by the Duke of Albright. Portia has no desire to marry in London. She has made a vow to return to India and marry the man she has grown up with and grown to love. Being outcast is a small price to pay for the opportunity of a lifetime of happiness.

Portia is convinced she can resist the allure of the Viscount Ratcliffe. Colin was acquitted of killing his father but the ton has not forgiven nor forgotten his actions. The Duke of Albright will do all he can to keep the gossip alive. There is an implacable hatred between the Duke and the Viscount which will entangle Portia.

When the Viscount's mother comes to town, the situation will become more precarious. Portia learns that an epidemic has caused the death of many in India and decides that her lover must have died since she hasn't heard from him in months. She accepts the Duke's proposal of marriage. Colin makes a decision to prevent the marriage. Not only is he in dire need of Portia's money but his love for her demands action. This decision will precipitate a series of events which none of them could have forseen.

While there was much about this story that was intriguing, I felt that the plot was more convuluted than needed. Some of the subplots distracted me from the relationship between Portia and Colin. The characters were well-drawn and complicated. Each had their own secrets which affected the story greatly. There are a lot of hurdles to be overcome before Portia and Colin can celebrate their love for each other.