Trapped in a domestic arrangement that her late father had contracted before his death, Honoria Finch has been stuck with Mr. Cornell for four long months he has been her guardian and warden. He assures her that as soon as the time is right; that she will be Mrs. Cornell by the end of the year. Not wishing to go against her father's last wishes--she was content to make the most out of the meager life that Mr. Cornell was willing to provide for her. Though he made enough money as a landowner Honoria would have to keep a close eye on the couples purse. She was willing to overlook his coldness toward her, as well as his gambling and his womanizing in the hopes to save some fragment of their marriage. One night Mr. Cornell goes to far, he gambles too much and he has nothing for collateral; except for the hand of his lovely roommate and ward. Thrown into yet another contract against her will. Who was the one to be holding Honoria's life in his hands? The mysterious new arrival of Jacques Rene De Buade, the new Marquis of Peony Hall. Will Honoria be able to find happiness and stability in her new situation. Or will the Marquis offer her more than a board and room? Will Honoria overcome the Marquis' dark secrets, battle her own insecurities and save them both from a lifetime of merely existing.