A fearful lady. A shamed lord. And a hand at cards that will change both their lives.

Terrified of her father's temper, LADY ADELAIDE has lived a life of complete obedience. However, now, when her father threatens to gamble away her hand in marriage in the next card game, she turns to a trusted friend for help.

A plan is hatched and put into motion to save Adelaide from an unfortunate marriage...by marrying her to a suitable man...by a young woman's standards.

After allowing his father to manipulate him all his life, MATTHEW TURNER, BARON WHITWORTH, sees himself as the black sheep of the family, distrusted by all. So, when his cousin asks for his help to save a raven-haired lady from a painful marriage, he agrees immediately. Before long, Matthew comes to realise that the woman he is to protect is the very woman he has been admiring from afar for a while.

What will Matthew do when his cousin urges him to marry Lady Adelaide in order to free her from her father's influence? Will he confess his love? Or will they live side by side forever?