Born a second son, Aiden Elliot works hard to prove himself and secure a future. Stationed on the Continent during the Napoleonic Wars to achieve that end, his life takes a turn when his older brother dies. As the new heir to the Northumberland Dukedom, Aiden is confronted with the duty of marriage, a vexing prospect, until he meets Lynette.

At twenty-six years old, Lynette Elphinstone would rather embrace spinsterhood than marry for convenience. Influenced by the novels she reads, Lynette is a romantic who yearns for a love match. However, her resolve begins to falter when Aiden shows her that even a marriage of convenience can be lustful. As their relationship unfolds they are faced with the question: is Aiden the love match of Lynette’s dreams or simply using her as the means to fulfill his duty?