Matthew Trent always knew what was expected of him, and that was to become the Perfect Vicar and a Perfect Gentleman. When Grace Cooper enters his life he is forced to face what he really wishes to become. Grace Cooper has three options for marriage available to her in the small village where she resides. However, Grace would rather be placed on the shelf than enter into a miserable union. When someone threatens her father and then makes an attempt on her life, it is Vicar Trent who vows to protect her and brings scandal to her doorstep, upsetting the delicate balance of both of their worlds.