Growing up in the shadow of her parents' estrangement, Laura has learnt to mask her feelings. She is also unused to company. Her father, though an earl, was a recluse. Now she must go to London during the Season where she will meet her mother - the mother she had pined for and resented in equal measure. Laura finds herself a success. She has suitors offering for her but is secretly in love with the Duke of Wimberley. She isn't sure about his feelings...