Upon her brother's passing, Harriet Comeford seeks out the Duke of Pendrake for help in finding a secure position for herself as a companion or as a governess in a respectable household. Harriet's brother assured her that he and the duke were soldiers in arms and brothers on the battlefield, so the duke will protect her as though she were his own sister. With her brother now gone, what does Harriet have to lose now that she is all alone in the world?

Maximillian, Duke of Pendrake, remembers Harriet's brother fondly and is not about to forsake his duty to a fallen friend. However, Harriet has arrived at his home just as a house party is about to get underway. Maximillian is in search of a wife, and every ton diamond present at his week-long party is hoping to catch his eye. But it is shy Harriet, who is staying on as his guest and doing her utmost to keep out of his way, that he cannot seem to get out of his thoughts. What if the best position he can secure for her is as his wife?