When Alyssa Paradise inherits her uncle's grand estate in Dorset she is determined to meet the challenge. However every week for six months she must dine tête-à-tête with the enigmatic Sir Giles Maxton who owns the adjoining land. Alyssa wonders how she will endure this arrangement—Sir Giles cuts a dashing figure but is brusque and aloof.
Although Alyssa soon discovers the warm, generous man beneath and Giles in turn finds Alyssa beguiling, they fight their growing attraction, knowing they are both promised elsewhere. But when Alyssa is caught up in a web of intrigue and revenge Giles must race against time to rescue the woman he loves.