Elena Walsh, a young widow, becomes a live-in nurse at Harrington Manor to support her ailing mother-in-law and infant son. The night before she starts, she rescues Adrian Harrington, Count of Harrington, after he is kidnapped and thrown into a lake. Her body warmth saves him, and she becomes the only woman his severe touch aversion does not reject. Reunited at the manor, Adrian recognizes her as his fated love and repeatedly protects her from jealous schemers. After a drugging scandal, a staged affair, and class barriers, Elena moves from insecurity to courage. Her kindness and strength finally win the family’s approval, and she rises from nanny to respected Countess of Harrington.
