When Clara's father, the local vicar, Reverend Albert Masters, passes away suddenly, the family are faced with moving from their home at the vicarage following Christmas that year. Not only that, but Clara is forced to seek employment to keep the family finances afloat. As someone who has taught for years at the Sunday School at St. Bartholomew's Church, she thinks it would be a good idea to try her luck at applying to become a governess. After all, she is used to teaching, well educated herself and she can play the pianoforte too.

Lord Howard Stapleton has recently lost the only woman he's ever loved to a sudden illness. Lady Arabella Stapleton has left behind three children, who the lord struggles to cope with. As far as he's concerned, his life ended the day his wife left this world. As a result, he has no concern for his own offspring other than to ensure they are clean, well cared for and receive a good education. Emotionally, he is distant, trapped in his own world of darkness and despair.

Soon two worlds will collide as one which will knock both off their feet in a very different manner...