As a young girl, Fanny finds escape from her unstable home by roaming in the woods and riding her mare. Free and innocent of guile, she is easy prey for a blackguard. Three years later, she attends the Season where she meets Andrew, Earl of Nethercote. It is love at first sight for both of them. 

Fanny’s nemesis, the man who had ruined her, is also in London. Furious at her refusal to yield to him, he uses his power to vilify her. Fanny loses her reputation - and Andrew’s love. She returns home and her father forces her into a repugnant marriage.

Andrew leaves England and throws himself into the shipping business. Unable to forget Fanny, he comes back when she is widowed and tries his utmost to win her back.

Can Fanny forgive him for leaving her? And what of the anonymous letters that threaten to destroy her if she accepts Andrew?