Laoise's life has taken an unexpected turn. With her younger brother's illness back and her family struggling to afford his medicine, she reluctantly accepts a new position at the Steepes' countryside manor. The offer comes with a substantial raise, but there's a catch. She'll be serving Bertram, the man who tried to sabotage her best friend's engagement.

Bertram is bitter about his family exiling him to the countryside for his misdeeds. He's already driven all the other servants off, and his spoiled attitude tests the limits of her patience. What's more, his suspicious behavior around a mysterious locked room convinces her he is back to plotting against her friend. There's trouble a-brewing at Steepe Manor, and she is determined to expose his treachery.

Then a snow storm rolls in, threatening to trap them together for the holidays. Even worse, a letter from home has Laoise fearing the worst for her brother's health. She decides to brave the treacherous weather back to London, but she can't do it without Bertram's help. Along their journey Laoise discovers an inexplicable pull toward him. To infuriating, despicable, handsome Bertram. A man who might understand her fears better than anyone else. But does he truly feel the same way? Or is he just using her for another of his wicked schemes?