After leaving the army and falling out with his family, Catesby Burgoyne is drowning his sorrows when he comes across a woman being attacked by thugs. A fight is just what he needs, but little does he realise that the lady he rescues will change his life. Prudence Youlgrave is not just the victim of ruffians. Her life has been made a shambles by her selfish brother and her brutish fiance. But she has a bold and courageous spirit Catesby can't resist - and, before he knows it, he rescues her again by marrying her himself.