Betrothed to the arrogant Lord Francois, Nicolette Duprey was plunged into blissful confusion upon meeting Davide, a mysterious knight-errant en route to the Crusades. In countenance he could have been Francois's twin, yet his heart was as gentle as her lord's was cruel. But Nicolette's fragile hopes were crushed when Francois insisted on marrying her before he too joined the fight against the Infidels. Cherishing a precious yet dangerous secret, Nicolette dreaded her husband's return. When the day came, she raised sad eyes to behold him, resigned to her fate. But in his face she saw a miracle—for the man who embraced her was the gallant, tender Davide, the lover she feared she had lost!