Miss Margaret MacGregor has a secret. To protect her family she has done the darkest of deeds and now she is determined to find the protection of a good marriage. A marriage that will let her pursue her dreams. Arranged by a powerful friend, she is ready to marry the Earl of Derby. But when she arrives, the earl does nothing as expected. He demands a trial. Drawn to the Earl who seems to carry a shadow in his heart, she agrees. Margaret cannot deny her desire for him but if he learns the truth will he cast her out? When her heart begins to long for him, she is determined to keep him. . . And her secrets. The Earl of Derby needs a governess not a wife. Except no governess has been able to manage his spirited sons! But when Margaret arrives on his doorstep, eyes flashing, and a wild plan in hand, he cannot resist her. To his amazement, her remarkable ways beguile him and his small sons in a way he never thought possible. But there is a wall around his heart that almost matches his highland lass'. Will she ever trust him enough to tell him why she has terrifying nightmares or will they both keep to the fortresses of their hearts. . . Alone without love in a marriage of convenience.