Ella and her younger sister depended on each other while living as poor relations in their aunt's home. To cover the medical costs after her sister's accidental injury, Ella — a former nurse — takes a position as a nanny at Whitmore Manor. She saves an infant's life and helps the children out of their troubles, gradually getting the stern head of the household, Alexander, to lower his guard. Torn between his restraint and Ethan's fervent pursuit, Ella falls for the former — yet, doubting whether she is merely a stand-in for his late wife, she decides to resign. On the day of his eldest daughter's wedding, she uncovers Chloe's arson plot and, in retaliation, is pushed into the water and nearly killed. Alexander finally confronts his true feelings, calling her back with a confession and publicly declaring his love at the re-held wedding. Ella returns to nursing, buys a new home for herself and her sister with her own salary, and in the end accepts his proposal as an independent, equal partner.
