Miss Daphne Dale is a practical young lady with no illusions of romance––until she answers an advertisement by a "sensible gentleman looking for a sensible lady." Convinced she fits the bill, she begins a romantic exchange with "Mr. Dishforth." Meanwhile, as she helps her best friend, Tabitha Timmons prepare for her wedding to the Duke of Preston, she is constantly thrown into the company of Lord Henry Seldon, the duke's uncle. The two of them clash constantly, all the while discovering a passionate connection that makes no sense.

Lord Henry Seldon is not amused when Preston put a joke of an advertisement in the paper calling for a sensible wife for Henry. And when letters start pouring in, he is furious. That is, until one note catches his eye–a chiding scold from a "Miss Spooner." But when Henry discovers that his correspondence is with none other than Miss Daphne Dale, he doesn't know whether to flee to the continent or take the passionate and infuriating minx with him.