Layla enters the new season with renewed hope after the previous failed season full of scandals and disappointment. Despite her apparent acceptance, she attracts no suitors, and her parents hope for a liaison with a business partner's son. Unbeknown to her parents, Layla has had two unpleasant meetings with the son; his dismissive attitude and spiteful words have left her with a hatred of the man.

When their parents officially introduce the couple Layla flees from his vile comments, never thinking that the man would follow her. Despite Layla's desperate pleas for the man to leave, their parents and the guests catch them together, and marriage is the only way to save Layla's reputation.

Locked in a marriage with a man she detests, Beckett spares Layla his presence when he sets up a house with his mistress, leaving Layla alone to deal with the manor house and disrespecting servants. When Beckett's ship disappears at sea, Layla helps his parents weather the storm of grief, but when the lawyer reads his will, Layla realises she is homeless and destitute.

Eighteen months later, Beckett's unexpected arrival throws the two Fitzwilliam households in a spin. When Beckett's parents make him aware of the lengths Layal had gone to, smoothing troubles and caring for people, Beckett is unsure how to apologise to his wife. Can he make Layla understand his hatred of debutants, or is their marriage doomed?