Captain Richard MacKintosh returned from Egypt wounded, not only in body but also in spirit, after making a getaway from the rebel band that held him and his military unit captive. Plagued by guilt for leaving his brothers-at-arms behind, he is determined to force the crown to garner their forces to search Egypt for them. He wanted--needed--to spend each waking moment finding the help he needed and nothing was going to make him lose focus. That was until he ran into an angelic face from his past. Scarred from a tragic accident, under the scornful eyes of the ton, Abby Merrill has become a shadow of the impetuous she once was. However, when she sees nothing more than caring and affection in Richard's eyes, the hopes and fantasies she'd thought long buried are rekindled. She would do anything for the man she has long loved and knows that if she is to have any chance with him, she must help free him from the past. In Abby's arms, Richard finds a welcome haven against the storm of guilt and disappointment. But he can't let go of the past and embrace the future until he's freed his brothers. But once he is free to love Abby, will there be a future left for them to share?