Clementina, eldest daughter of the Marquess of Cheriton, has always been able to solve her family's little problems and discontents. Now the widowed Countess of Carmelth, Clemmie finds herself facing problems she cannot solve alone. Someone is trying to harm her young son, and her brother is missing in action following the Battle of Waterloo. Major Gideon Rhyle may be able to help, but his assistance becomes another problem. For Clemmie falls in love with him and he, wounded and facing an uncertain future, is thoroughly ineligible for marriage.