Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory 1910 Ever since Charity Blythe lost her parents a year ago, her grief has thrown her life into turmoil. She had been talked into an arranged marriage to Edwin Payne, the adopted son of her aunt and guardian, Berthe. Berthe controls her inheritance. The story opens with Charity once again unable to please her betrothed Edwin in the bedroom. All the blame rests on her, and none on her self absorbed betrothed. He sends her to a doctor to help her discover her problem, the incomparable Dillon Ramsey, MD, who learns instantly that Charity is definitely not the problem. Part of the examination and “treatment” is showing her how to pleasure herself, thus opening the door to Charity’s sensual awakening. He also realizes that Miss Blythe has gotten under his skin, because after she leaves his office, he can’t stop thinking about her. A woman like Charity might even cause him to end his self imposed exile from the possibility of true love. The consummate bachelor front is just a cover-up. He’s avoided commitment since ex-fiancée Lucy, left him at the alter two years prior. Charity and Dillon’s paths cross again soon thereafter when she takes a spill from her horse when riding out on the bosque. He brings her back to his practice to see to her injury, but sees to a lot more than her sprained ankle, and they become intimately closer. After he has touched her, Dillon becomes possessive, and questions her about her betrothal. Why has it taken place at all, as her and Edwin’s association appears loveless and strained. Charity explains the inheritance conundrum, and her aunt’s control. In spite of him not wanting to get involved, he goes to her lawyer to try to get information so he can help her. He arrives at the lawyer’s office just as Charity is leaving. She has learned that there is no marriage clause in the will. When he confesses why he’s there, she becomes angry, not sure who to trust, and turns her back on him because she sees him as just another person trying to run her life. Charity also learned that she has a comfortable stipend to live on until the rest of her assets come through at the end of the year. Armed with knowledge, money and reemerging confidence, she confronts Berthe and Edwin and demands they leave her home immediately.