Lucy Locket, the long lost granddaughter of a duchess, has never been a part of Society. One day, she was living a secluded life as the prisoner of a criminal, and the next day she was an heiress in a world she did not even remotely understand. She can't curtsy, she doesn't hide her emotions, she's too clever by far. But in three months, she must marry a suitor with a royally bestowed title, or she forfeits a fortune—leaving her and the duchess in dire straits.

All Henry Beaumont wants is to prove himself to Society and step outside of his half-brother's shadow. So when the duchess asks him for a personal favor involving her newly found granddaughter—with a hefty thank you reward—he leaps at the opportunity.

It seems as if Lucy is trading one prison for another. Henry has now become a permanent fixture as her charming yet iron-fisted taskmaster and tutor in the ways of High Society. Lucy and Henry spar in an epic battle of wills—and even rapiers. But Lucy's past and her surprising, undeniable feelings for Henry may doom their undertaking if he declares his love for her . . . because without a title, he can never be hers.

Contains mature themes.