Set on defying her greedy father, Roberta (Robbie) Fletcher refuses to marry an old codger and joins the Everton Domestic Society where she happily helps widows with correspondence and figures. When Miles Hallsmith proposes, she experiences a moment of elation. But, his admission he'd been sent by her father and his brother crushed her heart. Instead of refusing him, she puts him to the task of finding out what their relatives have to gain from the match.

Miles had been smitten by Robbie from the moment he'd met her at a ball. As a third son with no means of supporting a wife, he'd had no right to court her. When the lady's father and his own despicable brother insist, he marry the object of his affection, he is torn between desire and suspicion.

Everton Ladies are notoriously brilliant and Robbie is not to be toyed with. Miles must prove his feelings are motivated by more than the lure of independence and money while thwarting his brother's disastrous plots. Bad blood and lingering doubts keep this couple apart. It will take honesty and cunning to bring them their heart's desire.