Elaine Montford is supposed to marry a titled gentleman and thus do her duty to her family. She is fully prepared to do so and has accomplished the wise first move of becoming closely acquainted with a friend of Lady Dalby; Elaine expects a brilliant marriage to come from that tenuous, necessary connection.

Roger Ellery, a cavalry officer at home on leave, is not looking to marry. Far from it. But a chance meeting in Hyde Park, a bee sting, and some unexpected counsel from Sophia Dalby, of all people, result in a most seductive, most scandalous, most ardent rush to the altar.

If only Miss Montford will stay willing long enough to see the deed done.