Kaylee Shepherd knew there was much more to life than marriage when she'd left her stepbrother's house to begin Lady Constance's House of Reform three years ago. Now, more than ever, she is determined to experience everything she is able before she is too old to enjoy it. When Simon Highgate, Viscount Washburne, makes his interest in her known, she seizes the opportunity. One night with him is more than she could imagine and one she will never forget.
Once Simon reached his twenty-fifth year, a special stipulation in his father's will was revealed to him. Regardless of his desires, he must wed a maiden of proper breeding whose behavior is above reproach, or his birthright will pass to his cousin. Duty-bound, he engages the House of Reform to aid his search for a bride. Unfortunately, the more time he spends with the enchanting woman assigned to the task, Miss Shepherd, the more he wishes Kaylee fit the requirements. Instinctively, he knows Kaylee would make him a perfect wife. If it weren't for his sisters, he would go against his father's wishes and claim Kaylee, regardless of her social standing. With his hands tied, he plans to make the most of the time they have together until he must wed another.
As Simon's attention toward Kaylee increases, she finds denying him more difficult. Although marriage isn't what she wants, she can see the merit in sharing stolen moments with him. However, each instance she gives in to him makes it more difficult to control the building passion she feels for him. Worse yet, she's beginning to wonder if she will be able to handle watching him wed another and leave her to live out her life alone.