For years Celina Storton has been in love with Robin, Earl of Torrington, but he spends his time in Paris, pursuing beautiful women-and the more the merrier. When his mother's illness forces him to return to England, she demands that he marry quickly, as she has not long to live. In order to facilitate things, she has chosen his bride for him-Celina.Robin is horrified by this threat to his liberty, but out of love for his mother, and since Celina is an old friend, he agrees. However, when the wedding is over, his mother reveals that she is not as ill as she had seemed. Furious at the deception, Robin turns on his wife, certain that she must have been in on it. But Celina is innocent and bristles at his accusations. Just when she is ready to walk out on her new husband, Celina discovers that his tenants have been ill-treated during his long absences in Paris. She sets out to improve their lives, becoming so determined to succeed that she almost forgets her husband.Robin is not used to women standing up to him-or ignoring him. Nevertheless, he is intrigued by the wife who has suddenly done both. But neither of them is prepared for a man who seeks revenge on Robin for putting him in prison ... and who has finally tracked him down.