Accepting an invitation from her estranged grandmother, the countess of Brompton, Amilie Jasperton comes to Brompton Manor and finds herself faltering in a world of privilege that unravels her common sense. She has grown up the daughter of an impoverished vicar, but now, after his death, she will become a lady. Enchanted by this naive and charming creature, Colin Fitzhugh nonetheless readies to leave his beloved Brompton Manor, where he has been serving as the Earl's ward. The earl's health is in a steady decline. Because Fitzhugh is not an heir, he has no choice but to quit the estate he has come to care for as if it were his own. But what once seemed simple is now clouded by his growing affection for Amilie. And Amilie finds she does not quite fit into this new society, which is confusing and strange. The handsome and funny Fitzhugh makes her feel more like herself again. When they learn she is intended to marry the new heir, they must find a way to cheat tradition in a place that upholds it to a fault.