Tragedy, strife, and a run of foul luck brings Lady Cecelia Campbell to her new London home. With the passing of her parents, Cecelia longs for a sense of normalcy in her newfound residence.
When she meets Lord William Townsend, who happens to be her new guardian's son, her routine tilts on a different axis. Initially, he's rude and hostile, but privately he's a different person. He's charming, fun, and even kind, lighting a fire in Cecelia that has long been extinguished. That is, at least until her childhood rival, Lady Evangeline comes into the picture.
During a coming-of-age ball hosted for Cecelia, she meets a family acquaintance, Lord Astley. When Cecelia stumbles upon an embrace between Evangeline and William during the festivities, the feeling of deceit and rejection pushes her into the arms of the willing Astley.
But things aren't always as they appear, and the further she distances herself from William the more intent he seems on pursuing her. As secrets become clear and motives are revealed, Cecelia will face a decision she must make: follow her heart knowing it could shatter, or play it safe and protect her virtue.