Young Lord Charville and Katerina Carradine were once devoted childhood companions, their significant social class difference never impeding on their friendship. Now adults, their paths in life have gone separate ways and things are very different. Lord Charville's life has come to a standstill after his wife's death. He is bereft with guilt that he was responsible for her death leaving their young son Edmond without a mother. Katerina is well aware of her station in life and is now governess to Edmond. When further tragedy strikes Lord Charville with his parents passing, he becomes Duke of Chattersby with 10,000 a year. Will this change in situation alter his secret devotion for Katerina? Can Katerina overcome her sisterly affection for the Duke and make a life-altering decision?