Evelyn Cosgrove begs to take her half-sister Linnie's illegitimate son as her own to save the family shame. Evie unselfishly relinquishes her own wants to take the child, posing as the widow Cross. Since Linnie's death, Evie and young Nicholas are living with Aunt Gertie.

Nicholas' father, Ian, was killed in battle at the Light Brigade and extracted a deathbed promise from his cousin, Spencer Lockhart, to care for his lover and child. Spencer returns to England to keep that promise and take the title of Viscount Winters upon the death of his brother. With much persuasion, Evie and Spencer enter into a marriage-of- convenience for the sake of Nicholas, but Spencer is unaware she is an imposter. The lies between them threaten to destroy the unexpected love they find. As Spencer unexpectedly learns of the deception, his trust dissipates and he no longer desires the woman he thought he loved.

Evie is a most warm, caring and selfless woman trying hard to obtain a little warmth and love for herself after suffering being given to a foundling home as a child. Her stepmother, Georgianna, has only one goal...for her own Linnie to marry well and raise their status in high society. Spencer sees Evie as a spitfire with wit, courage and fire in her eyes. Little does he know he has fallen in love with an imposter. Your heart will ache for Evie and all that she sacrifices.