A woman ahead of her time, Temperance O'Neil is happily married to her work - helping single mothers on the city streets - which she funds with her inheritance.

When her disapproving stepfather, Angus McCairn, cuts off her income, an infuriated Temperance has no choice but to do as he commands: live as a proper unmarried lady, in the family's home in Edinburgh. She soon strikes up a bargain with the elder McCairn to win her passage home by agreeing to find a wife for his nephew, James - a task that may cost her heart.