The 1840s: A time of increasing social awareness, particularly for progressive cotton mill owner Adrian Bennett and his son and business partner Christopher. But one social issue Christopher has never considered much is violence against women. A Robert Browning poem and a chance encounter with Katerina Valentino change everything.

Katerina is in fear for her life from her father's constant beatings. That is, until Christopher becomes entranced by the delicate dark-haired beauty, and decides that he must rescue her from her father--by marrying her. But Katerina's years of abuse have left her physically and emotionally scarred. And those scars threaten the newlyweds' hope for happiness.

Is Christopher's tender affection enough to help Katerina heal her broken spirit?