Still reeling from her major disappointment of the past Season in London, Lady Barbara Graves panics when she receives her summons to spend Christmas with her notorious matchmaking great-uncle The Duke of Danby. She'd expected Lord Aaron Harlow to propose to her before the end of the season, but he went off to India without a word. Having asked her brother to write Lord Aaron, she's certain he'll arrive in time to save her from marrying whatever dupe her uncle has chosen for her.

Theo Jardine is an investing genius whom Danby admires, although he's the youngest grandson of an earl and never likely to inherit. He accepts the duke's invitation to visit Danby Castle but plans to spend the holidays with his own family. When he realizes there's matchmaking going on—and he's a target—he tries to leave, but Danby dangles a carrot in front of him: an offer to front the entire scheme.

Theo isn't Aaron, but Barbara's attraction grows the more time she spends with him at the castle. Then she discovers her uncle is bribing Theo to marry her. Will she ever find true love with a man who loves her in return?