Lord Nestor Briarwood has years and years to find a wife! But when he meets Lady Margery Barret, he finds his soul aching to bring her the joy she’s never known. After all, his family knows the art of joy like no other. When he asks her to marry him, knowing her smile will make his heart soar, he’s astonished to find that society, furious that he is off the market so soon, is eager to tear her down. But Nestor will not stand for that. Not for one single moment. As a child, Lady Margery Barret knew loneliness intimately. The only friends she was allowed were picked by her parents. Her brother did all he could to shield her, but now, on the marriage mart, with her parents long gone, she wants love and family and affection. Lord Nestor Briarwood has the kindest family she's ever known. And whenever he walks into a room, she cannot deny the love she feels for him and his bright view of the world. When he offers to marry her, she can’t resist. But deep in her heart, she fears that society is right. He has picked her out of pity, and she will never know true love.