Yorkshire squire Magnus Johnson is contentedly tending his acres when a Scottish marquessate befalls him, complete with a chilly castle, and an even chillier welcome from his new tenants and neighbors. Magnus learned to endure forced marches while soldiering in Spain, and resigns himself to slow progress as he takes his Scottish holdings in hand. He is utterly stymied, though, by Milread MacDuie, the de facto chatelaine of Castle Duncarron. Milly is smart, very good at what she does, and respected by one and all. Magnus senses that she’s also lonely, and carrying a burden much heavier than the keys to the castle. Before Magnus can offer her the key to his heart, he must unravel the lies, secrets, and schemes that haunt both his castle and the woman he loves.