Lady Patience Kendall crossed the sea to marry, only to find her intended had died. Penniless, she created a comfortable way home. She charged to bring several rich American girls to England to find them titled husbands. However, life on board Captain Grant St. Benedict's ship was anything but comfortable, or without problems, not all caused by her girls. The arrogant Captain did nothing but scold her ... and arouse her curiosity about the rugged man beneath the uniform. One kiss might not ruin her reputation, but it did invite her to claim even sweeter delights... Grant had never met a woman more irritating, or more desirable, than Lady Patience Kendall. Yet she and her wards were enough to drive him to shore permanently. The girls' tendency to annoy the sailors, with small mishaps and large--like setting fire to the rigging--were nothing compared to the delicious distraction Patience provided. Grant had never met a woman more irritating ... or more desirable. Love was a greater risk than any storm at sea, but ultimately Grant couldn't resist the challenge of proving to Patience that independence was nothing to a lifetime of passion...