Lady Angela is the daughter of a duke and the widow of the heir to a viscountcy. Her husband has been dead for almost two years and she is ready to restart her life. While visiting a friend's country estate, a recuperating solider catches her eye. But with no title or fortune, her father threatens to withhold her dowry if she chooses such a man. Captain Daniel Matthews knows Lady Angela is far above him socially, but hopes being an officer in the British Army gives him a chance with her since many second sons of aristocrats are army officers. His hopes are dashed when the army judges him permanently disabled due to damage to one lung and discharges him. Daniel tries to do the right thing and withdraw from his pursuit of Angela, but she's not ready to take no for an answer.