Aveline Sutton, unwilling to marry or bear children. Julian, Marquis Sterling's Heir, favors Clara Warren, hindering his marriage. Marchioness Sterling proposes a contract marriage to Aveline: no children, Aveline manages household. Aveline stabilizes affairs, handling turmoil from Clara. Julian is drawn to Aveline, straying from protecting Clara. After Clara Warren's death, Julian tries to win Aveline back. Aveline, free and in control, has broken marriage's shackles, becoming her true self.
