When an Army officer and a young widow decide on a marriage of convenience, will the memory of her first husband drive them apart?

Margaret Covington is a young widow whose son is the heir of the Earl of Bedford. Upon meeting the Earl, she finds a cold, austere man who wants control of her sons. She feels trapped and begins looking for another alternative in her life. However, she is haunted by the memory of her first husband. She wears his timepiece and can not be parted from it.

Major John Stanhope has given his life for his country for years in the Peninsular Wars. While on leave, he too begins to think of other options for his life when he meets Margaret Covington and her young sons. However, he grows increasingly jealous of her dependence on the timepiece.

Can Margaret be parted from the timepiece to make room for a new love in her life?