As a young woman, Christina turned her back on the man she loved, Gerard, when his cousin convinced her that he was a rake and a gambler, like her father, and offered her a secure marriage. Gerard's heart was broken and he fled to the wilderness of Canada and made a new life for himself. Now he has unexpectedly inherited the estate that was owned by Christina's husband. As they hostilely and warily meet again and plan for a Christmas house party, Gerard discovers that Christina's husband humiliated and beat her, and twisted her mind to convince her that most entertainment and enjoyment was sinful and would corrupt people. Christina realizes that Gerard is not an irresponsible rake, and she finally reveals what her husband told her to get her to marry him; they were gross exaggerations and he only wanted to hurt Gerard, whom he hated. They find forgiveness and redemption of their love. ( )

Romance