Miss Alexandra Farris lost her heart to her older brother's friend, Lord Maxon Collins, long, long ago. Despite her girlhood attempts to win him, he never noticed her. Now that her first season is underway, she understands why. He prefers willowy blondes, not curvaceous maidens with darker coloring like herself. Rather than wallow in self-pity, she forgets love and focuses on something more attainable—an advantageous match. Lord Collins is plagued by an uncomfortable feeling whenever he goes near Miss Farris. One of annoyance. And yet, he can't seem to stop thinking of her, touching her, kissing her...He must act in her brother's stead, which means he has to approve her suitor and ensure her safety. Unfortunately, he can't seem to find a worthy gentleman. Wedding her off should be a simple task, but not if he can't let her go.