Mrs Mary Williams, a colonel’s widow, arrives at Silchester Court with Miss Elizabeth Freemantle, who has been brought up as her sister. But Beth is actually the Duke of Silchester’s cousin and he is her guardian.
When the duke is called away to his estates in the North, Lord Aubrey, the duke’s youngest brother, finds himself designated to oversee the London debut of both his sister, Lady Giselle, and his lively cousin, Beth.
Mary is only four years older than Aubrey, but she is more worldly and well-travelled and worries that he might lead Beth astray. She and Aubrey become closer as they chaperone the young ladies, but Mary is not thinking of marrying a second time. She values her independence too much, and certainly not to a young gentleman like Lord Aubrey.
Only when her reputation is lost, and marriage to Aubrey is impossible, does she understand that her feelings have changed.
Will the duke allow her to be part of his prestigious family or is it too late for them to find happiness together?