Ralph Stockwood prides himself on being a leader, but when he convinced his friends to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, he never envisioned being the lone survivor. Ralph must move on, find a wife and secure an heir to his family's fortune. Chloe Muirhead is resigned to spinsterhood after failing to find a husband in London. She takes refuge at the home of a family friend, where she meets Ralph. They strike a bargain to marry, under the condition that Ralph shall never make Chloe return to London - but circumstances change...