As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom.Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the free-spirited beauty has never been swept away or seriously courted and is resigned to never finding love.Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix's friend, the vivacious Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad.But life on the battlefield has darkened his soul - and it's becoming clear that he won't return the same as when he left.When Beatrix learns of Pru's disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru's letters to Christopher for her.Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep and when Christopher comes home, he's determined to claim the woman he loves.What began as Beatrix's innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love - and a passion that can't be denied.