The new Earl of Riverdale, Alexander Westcott, inherited a title and property without the money to support them, but he refuses to consider marrying an heiress merely for her bank account. When Wren Heyden, a wealthy young widow, shocks him with a marriage proposal, Alexander will only consider it if she consents to exploring their compatibility with a proper courtship. But Wren is a virtual recluse due to the purple birthmark covering half her face, and she resists opening herself up to potential ridicule from society. She only proposed in a desperate attempt to experience marriage and gain a family, not having considered the public duties expected of a countess. As Alexander gets to know Wren, he realizes that her physical veil is matched by the veil around her heart, hiding the pain of loneliness and shame. His efforts to convince her that love sees past appearance will appeal to series fans.