Pretty of face but plain of lineage, Miss Claudia Chambers is compelled to take a position as companion to Lady Rexford, a widow who is trying to hold on to her dowager's inheritance against the wishes of her husband's relatives. When Claudia accompanies her to Yorkshire, she comes into contact with their most prodigious opponent: Lord Rexford, Lady Rexford's handsome nephew and heir to the estate -- and a man who sets her heart on fire.