The elderly and ill fourth Viscount Longstreet summons Darius Lindsey to a discreet meeting, where he proposes the means for Darius to extricate himself from a life of shame and repay his family's debts. William offers him a chance at redemption: Spend a month with his wife, Lady Vivian; get her with child; and he can retire from his life of degradation.

As weeks pass, Darius makes love to Vivian but also teaches her how to deal with the world after William has died. Vivian cannot comprehend what Darius has done to safeguard his family or why he protects her from those who would cause her harm. When the time comes, will he be able to prove the depth of his love for her and their child?