Naval Commander Malcolm Iveson returns to London and receives a new assignment to discover missing artifacts smuggled into England. His instructions are simple; take up his title as the Marquess of Kingsbury, pretend to be looking for a wife, and discreetly uncover who is behind the stolen artifacts. Falling head over heels for the daughter of his prime suspect was not the plan.

At the mercy of her cruel father, wallflower Adeline Amberley is trying to find a way to save her family from scandal. She is clever enough to know that the artifacts her father claims are from an archaeological dig are most likely stolen. But the more secrets she uncovers, the more alone she feels. One person, the irreverent Lord Kingsbury, constantly confuses her with his attention and his compliments. Could she trust him to help her?

Malcolm kidnaps his damsel-in-distress and they embark on a road trip fraught with bad weather, hired thugs, betrayal and inns with only one bed. As Malcolm peels back the layers of Adeline's secrets, will his desire overpower his deference to his duty?