How does a wallflower change her fate?

One Maypole

One Duke

One naughty puppy

And a little wish...

May Day is bearing down on Mayfair and Miss Aubrey Featherington is facing another failed season. It's difficult to be a successful debutante when one is as painfully shy as herself. And while she'd love to participate in the May Day festivities, she understands it's not likely to happen. Her brother would never break from his busy schedule long enough to escort her. Which is why on a misty May morning, she takes a walk and finds herself in front of the Maypole.

Instead of wishing for romance or love, she closes her eyes and asks for a gift far more practical. A puppy of her own. The kind that would give her the unconditional love she's always craved but has never been given. To her shock and amazement, moments later, a puppy bounds into her lap. It's like a dream except for one rather large detail. The little pup comes attached to a surly and formidable looking duke.

Even more odd, he's on the hunt for a wife. One that will not only suit him but his pack of exuberant hunting dogs. Will Aubrey pass the sniff test?