Barnard Kottow's family opposed his marriage with his true love, Elinor Heyworth, as the latter couldn't bear children. To appease his family, Barnard struck a deal with with Katherine Trevet: he would solve her crisis, and she would become his wife, but in name only. The day following their wedding, Barnard sent Katherine abroad so that she wouldn't disturb his and Elinor's life. Three years into the marriage, Barnard presented Katherine with divorce papers, seeking to give the seriously-ill Elinor a happy ending. Katherine consented to his request. However, as soon as she signed her name, Barnard regretted it.