When lovely, high spirited Olivia Penrose entered the household of the Duke of Queensford she could readily believe the legends of amorous conquests that had sprung up around this handsome and wickedly fascinating man. But although she felt a powerful attraction to him she refused to let her heart rule her head.

When the Duke offered her the dubious honor of becoming his ward's governess, educated Olivia would not allow herself to be tempted by this hollow victory and was determined to become his legal wife. But she soon learned that there was more than one step to the mating dance, and that a penniless girl cannot call the tune unless she's prepared to pay the piper.