When Robert returns home after three years away, all he wants to do is mourn the tragedy that sent him away in the first place. But he has no choice but to reenter society as his mother has run his estate in Scotland to the ground in order to force him to return and face his responsibilities. Margaret has finally found a place she can quietly regain her equilibrium and possibly begin to paint again. Once the official painter and darling of the Russian court, a brutal attack sent her running. With the help of an anonymous benefactor, she has settled down into a happy life. That is until her gorgeous and tempestuous neighbor returns and shatters her fragile peace. Neither one is fit for company but a mutual and inexplicable desire tests both of their resolves. And, when Margaret is commisioned to paint a picture for Robert, they may no longer be able to deny their true feelings.