Michael Stirling and his cousin John, the Earl of Kilmartin, are as close as brothers. However, Michael is secretly in love with John's wife Francesca Bridgerton. When John suddenly dies from an aneurysm, Michael is wracked with guilt and pain from his loss. The earldom is now Michael's responsibility, but he doesn't want it. And, his self-imposed exile to India does nothing to relieve him of his shame--or his longing for Francesca. Even though he is determined to remain simply her friend and confidant when he returns to London, the temptation is far too great.
Second epilogue: Do the best things really come to those who wait? Three years have passed since Francesca's and Michael's marriage, and they are still childless. And Francesca wonders, can a woman be truly and completely happy when a little piece of her heart remains empty? But just when she makes peace with her fate, something unexpected occurs.