Emma and Matthew are finally free to marry, but Matthew's secret continues to haunt them. Emma D'Eresby can look forward to a future with Matthew Lynes. She at last reveals to Matthew the nature of her relationship with Guy Hilliard--her supervisor at Cambridge--and the reason she has found it difficult to forgive him or to trust any other.
Their joy at marrying is short-lived as, to her disgust, Emma discovers that Guy is visiting the United States to attend the history conference at which she is the keynote speaker. Although everyone seems charmed by him, Emma doesn't trust Guy. Worse still, she discovers that Ellie is dating Guy, bringing him within the family fold.
Long-held grudges and wounds surface and it is clear that Guy poses a threat to everything Emma loves.