Seduction, betrayal, rapture. Lord Esmond Walhurst, fitht Earl of Mornbury and the handsomest man in all England, had renounced his elegantly reckless lifestyle - only to be shattered by a cruel tragedy. Grief-stricken, he resumed his dissolute living and fought a deadly duel before retreating to a monastery to suffer alone. But now Queen Anne urges marriage upon him, and Esmond's thoughts turn to the lovely Magda, whom he has seen just once, but who captured his interest and desire. But beautiful Magda, who was partially disfigured by a childhood riding accident, had grown to an otherwise atractive woman-hood. Her savage stepfather Sir Adam Congrayle tricks young Esmond into marriage with Magda without frist allowing them to meet. The preparations for the match are put in place. But a shocking discovery awaits Esmond on his wedding day... a revelation that will put love to the ultimate test. And the night of the wedding, when Esmond sees Magda for the first time, brings its inevitable crisis... He is England's most charming rogue - she is treachery's pawn. They thought nothing could stand between them - but will her terrible betrayal destroy their love?