Gabrielle Astley is quite used to being an afterthought, a burden, a nuisance...

As the only child - and a useless female one at that - to a Baron, she was both spoiled materially and neglected emotionally. After her father's death her stepmother remarries and Gabrielle's new guardian is the stern and cold Marquess of Dunbury. There is hope of escaping their household, however, as the Marquess seems eager to marry her off.

Felix Hood had no thoughts of settling down in marriage - as the youngest of three brothers, he should be the last to wed. However, when he meets his best friend's new ward and is tasked with the duty of helping guard her against any unsavory suitors, he can't help but be entranced by her. But he's not convinced he's ready for marriage, and his hesitation over formally courting her leads Miss Astley to turn to her other suitors, making him wonder if she's really worth the chase.

This novella was written at the request of readers who wanted to know what was happening between Felix and Gabrielle during Book 1 of the Bridal Discipline series, however it is not necessary to read Philip's Rules in order to enjoy this novella, nor is it necessary to read this novella in order to enjoy the upcoming Gabrielle's Discipline. It's a bonus novella for enjoyment and to fulfill reader's curiosity.