Since witnessing the death of her husband during the Napoleonic Wars, Imogen, Lady Barclay, has secluded herself at Hardford Hall, their home in Cornwall. The new owner has failed to take up his inheritance, and Imogen hopes he will never come. Percival Hayes, Earl of Hardford, decides to pay a visit to his estate and is shocked to discover that it is not the ruined heap he had expected. He is equally shocked to find the beautiful widow of his predecessor's son living there. Soon Imogen awakens in Percy a passion he has never thought himself capable of feeling. But can he save her from her misery and reawaken her soul?