Anthony Russell, Earl of Lever, has to marry before his 30th birthday. That's what his father’s will dictates. A man who has always been socially awkward and at a loss of how to communicate easily with people is determined to marry to save his heritage. But he has no real idea of how to avoid making a blundering mess of the situation he is faced with.

Miss Phoebe Westbrook wishes she was anywhere other than at Lord Livesey’s house party. Family loyalty and duty forced her to accept the invitation. When she overhears Lord Livesey’s opinion of her, she knows he feels the same. Determined to make the most of his library whilst visiting, she soon finds herself being drawn into the lives of Lord Livesey and his children, whether she likes it or not. Meanwhile, Lord Livesey has lived a lie. His marriage was not the love match everyone presumed. His children are strangers to him. 

Oliver Bailey - a mill owner who is looking for investment from the ton but certainly isn't looking for a wife. Baron Johnson - used appallingly by the young woman he's deeply in love with. Captain Peterson - a successful ship's captain who has at least one girl in every port. Mr. Lucas - a business rival to Oliver Bailey who has an ulterior motive no one else is aware of. Four stories intertwined in a way none could foresee. Their lives will never be the same. 

Captain Charles Bassington of the 13th Light Dragoons is famed for his good luck, high spirits, and devil-may-care attitude. He escapes serious injury at Waterloo only to succumb to an inflammation of the lungs. When he returns home to recuperate, cracks begin to appear in his cheery façade. It is only when two eminently eligible bachelors appear to be vying for the hand of his childhood friend, Lady Selena Sheringham, that Charles realizes his heart’s desire. But how can the younger son of a baron ever hope to be worthy of the wealthy daughter of an earl?

Gregory Dinard, a young and inexperienced duke, finds himself in need of a companion to help him navigate the intricacies of his new role. Uncertain of his abilities and unwilling to take a chance at love, he looks for a marriage of mutual benefit rather than a match of mutual affection.