Reeling from the death of her parents, eldest daughter Octavia strives to be a source of strength for her sisters. She defies their grandfather’s high-handed meddling—and his desire to see the Staunton girls married. She forges her own path to independence, which leads to the gates of Caswell Hall. There, the governess has just quit her post, leaving a vacant spot in the local lord’s household. Simon, Viscount Althorne, is impressed by the sensible, dark-haired beauty, and hires her to teach his wayward young niece. He resents the loss of his carefree bachelor days, and longs to see the child settled so that he may return to London. But one perfect English summer turns their plans upside down, and he becomes inexplicably drawn to the one woman he cannot have—the family governess. Can Simon convince her that he is a gentleman worth loving? Will Octavia allow herself to fall for a man beyond her reach? Or will class and duty separate them forever?

The infamous Duke of Wadebridge always gets what he wants—even if he must play the scoundrel to get it. When His Grace meets the beautiful, genteel Cassandra Staunton at a garden party, nothing will stop him from pursuing her. He returns to Longstone village intending to court her, but Cassandra is unswayed by his attentions and most certainly not interested in becoming his duchess, for marriage has always been impossible due to her delicate health. Can Cassie recognize the real man beneath the reputation, or will Wade’s bold proposal—that she travel to Cornwall as his mistress, instead—be the wedge that finally drives them apart?

With two elder sisters making their ways in the world, Honoria Staunton feels left behind. She decides that leaving Longstone village is the only way forward and boards the first train to London, knowing it means reconciling with her grandfather and marrying whichever suitor he has selected for her. Due to a handshake agreement by his late parents, Philip, Marquess of Hardingstone, is duty-bound to wed his guardian’s daughter. He journeys to London with a heavy heart, struggling to prepare for this inevitable betrothal, while the effervescent beauty seated across from him represents everything he’s ever wanted in a partner—and the future he is unwilling to compromise on. The two travelers hatch a mad scheme to marry each other, but find their engagement is anything but convenient. When family and responsibilities stand in the way of love, will Philip and Honoria have the strength to go through with their plan?