The beautiful young widow, Mrs Anne Adamson, is not exactly thrilled when the eligible Marquess of Stonehaven proposes marriage. Once upon a time, she might have thought all her dreams had come true, but that was a lifetime ago, when she still believed in heroes and foolish romantic imaginings. Now, she relishes her independence, her own financial security, and her new life, running the successful Mermaid’s Tale Hotel in Little Valentine.

Miss Beatrice Honeywell, by contrast, can think of nothing more delightful than a life spent in the company of the charming Marquess. She cares little for his title, nor even his wealth, but something about the man calls to her, making her believe in soul mates, love at first sight, and daring her to risk too much. Yet despite her much-vaunted beauty, the maddening man never looks her way.

Indignant and insulted at having his proposal so summarily refused, Stonehaven comes up with a plan to get back into Anne’s good books. They were close friends once, after all, surely, he can bring her around again.

But the events of one summer evening alter the future for all concerned when a brutal attack leaves Stonehaven blinded. Suddenly, everything he thought he knew about himself and about the women in his life has changed. Yet the Marquess of Stonehaven is not a man to sink under the weight of challenge, and despite the trials ahead, he faces the future with courage.

With varying degrees of guilt and love and hope driving them on, neither Anne nor Beatrice will turn their backs on the brave marquess, doing what they think best for his future, and theirs, no matter the hazard to their hearts.