Audrey could never have suspected what heartbreak would befall her on her wedding day.

Deserted minutes after her marriage, Audrey is the butt of society's ridicule. Without a home to return to, Audrey moves to the country estate her parents own. While she waits and hopes that her husband will return, years pass, and Audrey moves to a poor settlement where she and her friend set up a clinic.

When Lucien arrives at the clinic, Audrey has no intention of agreeing to his wishes that she return to society until he blackmails her, promising to close the clinic if she doesn't comply. Audrey does as Lucien orders, but when they arrive at his home, he realises the scorn and hatred Audrey has suffered due to his abandonment. After taking refuge in his best friend's house, Lucien realises he has lost not only his wife's affection but also that of his former best friend. Some revelations come to light, and the new information softens Audrey's and Beckett's opinions of Lucien.

The arrival of a woman claiming to be Lucien's American wife and carrying his baby once again leads to Lucien's disappearance, and the ton is gleefully watching the scandalous goings-on in the Beauchamp family. Will Lucien return to his wife, or will he remain in America with the woman who professes to be his American wife?