When Eloise's secret betrothal falls through, an unexpected suitor steps forward. Married in name only, Eloise waits years for Simon to return from fighting the French General. Honouring Simon's request, Eloise lives at the Jenkinson Manor house, but her nemesis, Harriet, causes disruption and starts rumours harming Eloise. Following an indecent proposal by her brother-in-law, Eloise flees the house and returns home.

Months later, the staff alerts Eloise of Simon's return. Urged by the servants, Eloise abducts her husband and whisks him off to the country to recuperate. When Simon's parents visit, her Mother-in-law ignores Eloise's request to come without Hugh and Harriet, and the couple's delusional behaviour becomes evident. After tragedy strikes, Simon deserts Eloise, and once again, she must wait for her husband's return.

Will Eloise and Simon reunite, or have Hugh's lies destroyed their marriage?