Maximilian Hainsworth is on a mission: to write a scathing expose of England’s most famous country estate, Northfield Hall. At Northfield, the Preston family dares thumb its nose at the British Empire and boycotts anything imported from beyond English shores. They hire laborers from all walks of life, including immigrants and freed slaves, and educate anyone who wants to learn. In short, Northfield Hall claims to be utopia, and Max is determined to prove that it is not. Disguised as a carpenter, he gets himself hired so he can learn Northfield’s secret ins and outs. A few things quickly go wrong with his plan: 1. He doesn’t bring his own tools 2. No one is willing to speak ill of the Prestons 3. He keeps accidentally flirting with Miss Ellen Preston Nevertheless, Max is determined to persevere. Even if it means betraying the trust of lovely and kind Ellen.