Tristan Wemyss, Earl of Trentham, has a most unexpected challenge: he must find a suitable wife... within a year. If he fails, he must forfeit his inheritance. Despite the many alluring young women paraded before him, he picks his neighbor, Miss Leonora Carling. Spirited, educated, and no man's fool, Leonora meets his requirements perfectly. Unfortunately, she has no desire to marry anyone! When unanticipated danger finds her, Leonora must beg Tristan for his aid. As they get ever-closer to uncovering the source of the threat, Tristan discovers his offer of convenience is becoming an offer of love.