The Most Noble Marquis of Mounteagle was shocked and disillusioned when he discovers that the seemingly innocent debutante he had hoped to make his bride had proved to be an ambitious schemer, who is hoping to marry another man for his greater title. If even his ancient title and vast wealth were not enough, surely he could never hope to find a heart that would cherish more than his worldly splendor!

To ease his bitterness, the Marquis took up an amusing wager with his friend, Lord Charles Carrington; if it is possible that he will ever be loved as himself, an ordinary man and Lord Charles thinked it most unlikely. The Marquis would pass as a humble coachman, and see what life was like. But unbeknown to the Most Noble Marquis, he was about to gallop into an adventure, rescue a shy, silver-haired orphan from Society's wickedness, and fly with her into the charmed and timeless paradise of perfect true love....