Upon the close of the season, Warren Daventry returns home to Winhurst Hall, only to be assaulted with the consequences of his father's drunkenness. The estate's tenants are on the verge of a revolt and funds are beginning to run low. But when Warren tries to step in and help, his father is none too pleased and quickly cuts off his allowance and banishes him for the Estate.

With nowhere else to turn, Warren finds himself at the home of his best friend, Marcus Graham. Brackingham Abbey soon proves to be the perfect diversion from his troubles, especially when he learns that Marcus's little sister, Serena, has harbored a tendre for him for quite some time. Delightfully entranced with her emerging beauty, Warren can't keep his distance, though due to his circumstances, he knows he cannot properly court her.

A relationship that is meant to be kept secret soon evolves into so much more, as a protective older brother, meddling friend, and an unsuspecting villain tries to intervene. What begins as a simple diversion becomes more than Warren bargained for, but he soon learns that there is more to his fascination with Serena than he initially imagined. But will it be enough to sustain the pair through anything that may come their way?