While Olivia tries to navigate the social rules surrounding debutants, a nobleman becomes fixated with her. Olivia finds his attentions unwelcome, and the lack of respect he shows her is becoming a problem. When an infamous Duke rescues her, she soon discovers that he is by far more interesting than the men she has had to pretend interest in during her social engagements.

Olivia's sister is stepping out with an earl, but his title doesn't convince Olivia that his intentions toward her sister are honourable. The discovery of a ruse unwittingly places Olivia in danger and crushes her hopes of a match with the Duke.

As her father attempts to remove her from the Duke's clutches, he signs a marriage contract for Olivia with the one man she loathes. When Olivia's mother informs the Duke of the marriage contract that Olivia's father has signed, he races to find her. Can he reach her before her father arrives with the marriage contract? Will she marry him despite the heartache he caused?