Emory (Rory) Lumley, younger son of the Duke of Tralee, was cursed at the age of thirteen by a Scottish witch. As preordained by the witch, on his thirtieth birthday, tragedy strikes, claiming the lives of his wife and infant son and leaving Rory consumed with guilt. He flees to the Continent, abandoning his young daughter. A half year later, he returns to find his once-docile daughter is now a willful, spoiled child prone to tantrums. She's sent numerous governesses packing and attempts to do the same with Rory. But Rory isn't going anywhere. Frances is his only family now, and he needs a governess who can take Frances in hand while he attempts to rebuild his life.

At thirty, Genevieve Brooking has been a governess almost half her life Genevieve takes the position of governess to Frances Lumlee at nearby Lilacfall Abbey. Frances is a challenge, but Genevieve knows how to manage wayward, grieving children. What she isn't prepared for is the wayward, grieving master of the house. Rory is cold and distant at first then grudgingly appreciative, and when she marries him out of convenience, she sees a side of him she could love.

But Rory's past interferes with their budding romance when he is given a counter-spell. With his family and friends, Rory returns to the scene of the crime, where the witch's sister appears again. She tells Rory what he's always feared?he can reverse the curse but only by offering a sacrifice. Rory must search his heart and soul to choose between love or redemption.