Her husband is dead. But far from grieving, young
widow Lady Meriwether Sturgess feels nothing but
relief and release. After enduring years of physical
and emotional abuse at the hands of her cruel
husband, Meri is drawn to the comfort of the one
place sure to offer healing both for her and her
children: Rosewell Manor. The home of her beloved
Aunt Annibel is the site of her happiest childhood
memories, and it promises the new beginning for
which she longs.
Just as she settles into life at the manor, Meri is
granted a delightful surprise. Elliott Rosewell has
come to stay, as he often has since childhood. Meri
and Elliott had once been close friends, and each
concealed long-harbored feelings for one another.
Their warm relationship is quickly rekindled, and
despite the sorrows and secrets they each conceal,
they discover that their friendship has blossomed
into love. But a relationship that seems to promise
happily ever after quickly begins to unravel as
devastating truths from both Meri's and Elliott's
pasts surface, and their chance at happiness together
may be lost forever . . .
