Two sisters on the edge of poverty have a chance to meet wealthy, titled, unmarried gentlemen when they are unexpectedly invited to a house party at a famous country estate owned by the Duke of Carlisle. Though courted by a wealthy earl, Catherine Forsythe finds herself falling for the handsome estate gardener and faced with the choice of marrying for money and security, or following her heart.

Hannah Fairbanks would gladly leave the marrying to her beautiful, refined older sister. She herself would much rather tramp about the countryside, muddled hems and all, studying the ancient ruins and architecture that are her one and only true passion...or so she thinks. For on a fateful visit to a dashing, widowed earl, she receives an even more fateful kiss...and proceeds to throw everyone's plans awry!