Years ago, love-struck Reese departed his home at Briarwood with a promise from raven-haired Elizabeth Clemens that she would make a life with him upon his return. But mere months later, she married the Earl of Aldridge, attaining wealth and status Reese could never match. Memories of that betrayal make his homecoming far more bitter that sweet. Seeing Elizabeth on his doorstep dressed in widow’s garb twists the knife even deeper. Fear for her young son’s safety has overcome her pride. She begs Reese for protection from those who would see the boy dead to possess his fortune. He agrees to an uneasy alliance, sensing Elizabeth still harbours deep secrets, but Reese knows that he’s placing himself in danger of losing his heart all over again.