It is close to a small estate belonging to Julian, but because of its size, they decide he is unlikely to ever visit. Julian, now the Marquess of Sterling, has returned from the war having suffered serious wounds. Although his leg is crippled and repulses many a young lovely miss, his title and fortune make him a desirable marriage catch. He has become bored with the social scene in London and decides to travel to a small property in the Lake District. Suspicion has arisen that unrest in the north is intended to undermine England s war effort.
Sterling is glad to accept the challenge of investigating the trouble.
Soon after his arrival at his estate, Sterling is out riding and comes upon Miranda. When he goes to call upon his aunt, he meets her son and soon discovers the boy is his. Complications ensue when Sterling tries to further his acquaintance with his son and learns of the impoverished conditions of Miranda s life. He is impressed by her devotion to her son and begins to wonder if he was too quick to blame her. More problems ensue when the troublemakers decide that his presence in the area threaten their goals and target him for their criminal activity.