A country-bred girl, Kate Bancroft always intended to marry for love, like her parents. She wanted a husband who adored her, who would be her knight in shining armor. But her plans don't go as she had hoped - suddenly, she finds herself married to a marquess, and her new husband an aloof stranger determined to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. It is the unfortunate truth that she and Lord St. Malin have been forced by circumstances to marry, and Kate is painfully aware that she is not the woman he would have chosen given a choice. Robert makes it plain that marriage is merely for the procreation of an heir, and once that is achieved, he intends to continue in London living the life he enjoyed before he met her. Kate suspects Robert plans to tuck her away in the country, while he pursues his own interests, and she becomes determined not to let him have it all his own way. A quiet battle ensues. Kate is left to wander the echoing corridors of St. Malin House, when she isn't thrown into the midst of the mocking and clever Haute Ton. She's not at all sure she likes them, as they live by their own rules, which seem rather shocking. She's not at all sure she likes her new husband either, except for his brilliant blue eyes, the panther-like way he walks, and the smoldering expression in his eyes when he looks at her. He is a rake and does not deserve her love, but neither can she resist his searing touch. Robert appears quite willing to do his duty, but Kate demands love and affection, and nothing less will do. Can people from two worlds, and two ideals, find their happily ever after?