A young noblewomen distressed when she suspects her guardian's younger son and his wife are impatient to inherit his earldom, goes in search of his older son who has been banished from society because of an unfortunate duel. Now known as a notorious mercenary, she persuades him to pose as her husband to facilitate his return to society and in doing so, accepts his scandalous trade. Can she persuade him to abandon the dark path he believes is his fate and claim the life, and love, he deserves?