The penniless Miss Emma Lawrence has no choice about accepting the post of governess to the young daughter of Dominic Hastings, the Earl of Chard. But what unkind twist of fate has her working for the man she might have married when she was the rich Miss Emilia Lincoln? And -- more disconcerting -- will he recognise her? In ten years they have both changed so much -- except for Emma's abiding love for Dominic . . . .