A Lady avoiding marriage, a Marquess set on thwarting her, an impetuous flight, a passionate pursuit, a scandal averted by love.

Lady Penelope Grantham is quite certain that none of the eligible gentlemen will suit her – no matter that she is in her third Season. The only man she has the slightest respect for is the one man she always argues with. She is beginning to think that life as a spinster may be the better choice – until her father tries to force her hand.

Simon Hart, Marquess of Marlby, has watched Lady Penelope for three years now – and slowly but surely fallen for her, even whilst he argues with her at every turn. She has courage, and a determined character which he admires – but he has begun to despair of ever convincing her that marriage might be worthwhile. Until, that is, he has a private conversation with her father.

When the threat of being made to marry drives Penny to desperate flight, Simon puts his plan into action – but will it work?

Can Simon find Penny and convince her of the only logical choice, in time to save her, and her reputation?

Will Penny finally see past her own fears and accept the chance for the love she has always wanted?

Or will two lives be shattered irretrievably?