In 1820s England, Ava Oakley, a self-reliant, reserved young woman, faces destitution after losing her beloved employer, Lady Aubrey. Finding work as an accountant's assistant in a small Yorkshire village of Welburn, she initially keeps to herself until she meets her client, Lord Chance Joyce, Earl of Carlisle. After an accidental kiss, Chance becomes intrigued by Ava's hidden passionate nature and seeks her out.
Ava's feelings for him threaten her new sense of control over her life. She struggles to believe her newfound happiness will last and resists her feelings for him while cautiously befriending other village inhabitants. Unfortunately, Chance's attempts to woo Ava are interrupted when he learns that his friend is facing destitution. While he tries to avoid marriage to his friend's vapid sister, Lady Edith, Ava faces unhappy childhood memories when her younger sister Amelia mysteriously appears to live with Ava in Welburn.
A passionate romance blossoms between Ava and Chance, but they must both learn that happiness can stem from independence as well as connection and love with others.
In 1820s England, Ava Oakley, a self-reliant, reserved young woman, faces destitution after losing her beloved employer, Lady Aubrey. Finding work as an accountant's assistant in a small Yorkshire village of Welburn, she initially keeps to herself until she meets her client, Lord Chance Joyce, Earl of Carlisle. After an accidental kiss, Chance becomes intrigued by Ava's hidden passionate nature and seeks her out.
Ava's feelings for him threaten her new sense of control over her life. She struggles to believe her newfound happiness will last and resists her feelings for him while cautiously befriending other village inhabitants. Unfortunately, Chance's attempts to woo Ava are interrupted when he learns that his friend is facing destitution. While he tries to avoid marriage to his friend's vapid sister, Lady Edith, Ava faces unhappy childhood memories when her younger sister Amelia mysteriously appears to live with Ava in Welburn.
A passionate romance blossoms between Ava and Chance, but they must both learn that happiness can stem from independence as well as connection and love with others.