Michael Stirling and his cousin John, the Earl of Kilmartin, are as close as brothers. However, Michael is secretly in love with John's wife Francesca Bridgerton. When John suddenly dies from an aneurysm, Michael is wracked with guild and pain from his loss. The earldom is now Michael's responsiblity, but he doesn't want it. And, his self-imposed exile to India does nothing to relieve him of his shame--or his longing for Francesca. Even though he is determined to remain simply her friend and confidant when he returns to London, the temptation is far too great.