An Irish heiress with an illegitimate son falls in love with her
guardian.
The Earl of Kilgoran had two sons. When
his youngest died, he left him custody of his only daughter, Felicity. His oldest, a childless widower, married a widow with a son, Miles. The Earl left his estate to his granddaughter, and named his step-grandson as her
guardian his heir.
Felicity Monahan fell in love with Rupert Dunsmore, a scoundrel, when she was 15. He was married; but, she believed his lies when he said he was trapped in a loveless marriage to an older woman who just happened to be rich. He said that their love was no sin and there was no way she could get pregnant. Nine months later, Dunsmore convinces Felicity to let his wife raise the baby and leaves Ireland. He promises to return soon.
Five years later, Felicity is an heiress, Mrs. Dunsmore is dead and the scoundrel is back. Now, he wants to
marry the mother of his child. But Felicity is no longer quite so naive. The only thing she wants from Dunsmore is custody of her son. He refuses and threatens to hurt the boy unless Felicity agrees to marry him.
Miles Cavanaugh is coming home after doing his duty in the army. Things have changed while he's been away. His mother has remarried; his grandfather is dead; he's heir to an Earl and guardian to a young lady old enough to be his wife. Miles is about to learn that war can be hell on the homefront.