It seems to be a mystery why Lady Constance Hatton is still not married. She has beauty, a generous dowry, and an impressive family name to recommend her. Her mother fears Constance will soon—gasp!—be relegated to the shelf. However, Lady Constance is in no hurry to wed. She has exacting requirements for a husband and intends to marry only when she finds the perfect gentleman, one that is worthy. She delights in her ability to control her own destiny. Until an encounter with a shadowy emigre, that is.

Constance is certain that she can gracefully extricate herself from an unwanted engagement, while at the same time find a suitable mate for her friend and protect her innocent maid from the wiles of a sophisticated Frenchman. But can she protect her own heart from the attractions of her mysterious fiancé?