The Earl of Rule was supposed to marry the oldest and prettiest Winwood sister but she was in love with a military man. So her sister Horatia who is not that pretty and has a stutter offers herself as a sacrifice to marry him since he really wants to marry into this family. He has lots of money but they have an old family line. Lord Rule goes along with it because he likes her. They get married and go back to London to live but it gets complicated. Horry goes a little wild and throws herself into a social life including a lot of gambling and spending. Lord Rule does not overly involve himself in the beginning letting her run free with some amusement. He seems very patient and kind toward her and he is twice her age. As the book goes on they start to love each other. Then a series of misunderstandings occur.