Can you fall in love with someone you've never met?

England, 1812

Joanna Stretton is in no hurry to marry, wanting a love match like her parents'. While staying with her mother and aunt in the country, she meets Captain Alfred Bengrove, a handsome cavalry officer on leave from Spain. Jo is smitten, and by the time Alfred returns to his duties, they are all but betrothed. Then, a few weeks later, Jo is devastated when she receives the news that Captain Bengrove is missing in action.

Captain Robert Delafield is wounded in Spain and taken prisoner. He finds himself in the company of Captain Bengrove on their journey to Verdun, where they will be kept on parole. Bengrove's wounded hand leads him to ask Rob to write letters home for him, including one to his betrothed.

Thus begins a very improper correspondence.