Miss Margaret Chandler, daughter of a wealthy Hertfordshire landowner, has no particular prospects or desire for marriage. Her father’s estate is entailed to a nephew, and upon her father’s death, Margaret has settled plans to keep house for her cousin, who does not care for the country. The only man who could possibly capture her heart is the married Duke of Momford, whose French duchess is trapped in Paris during the war with Napoleon. Margaret is appalled at her scandalous romantic yearnings for the duke. Even more shocking is that her feelings may be reciprocated. Foolish dreams notwithstanding, scrupulous and honest Margaret must come to terms with the dishonest duke.