Helena Beaumont's debut into Regency society has not gone as planned. She wants to marry and rescue her mother from a madhouse for genteel ladies, but her bookish nature saw the ton label her a shy bluestocking. Her father insists she marry well or join her mother in banishment. Her second chance comes at a Christmas house party where she is reunited with Julian, Earl of Harrington after once waltzing with him in London. Julian also has parents who pressure him to marry for the sake of his estate. As he trades quips with Helena, they form a friendship and agree to a marriage of convenience. Then Helena's newly returned mother harshly rejects the couple's plans to marry. And Helena learns she needs Julian more than ever.