Robert Mathieson never expected he would be called back after he had been driven away years ago. But at the request of Laird MacKendimen, Robert reluctantly takes over the duties of the steward of Dunnedin, home of the MacKendimens. His presence, however, is welcomed by few, and Anice, especially, keeps her distance. Despite her reserve, Robert is intrigued by Anice and by the flashes of vulnerability beneath her coolness. Although he knows that Anice is forbidden to him, an unexpected passion blossoms between them--a passion which threatens to uncover long-buried secrets and irrevocably alter the future of the clan forever.