When Brand wakes up in bed beside a beautiful young woman he doesn't know, he is devastated by guilt. Isabella whispers, "Marry me, stranger," and Brand has no reason to refuse her, since the only woman he has ever loved is dead. Married life is difficult enough but when the couple are strangers, difficult becomes impossible. At first, though, it seems that Brand and Isabella will make their marriage, based upon one passion-filled night, work. Until, that is, Brand's guilt and Isabella's secret drive them apart