The Duke of Stratton agreed to marry Candida Wellesley sight unseen. He had looked at the size of her fortune, and since wealth was what he sought in a bride, he asked for no portrait so that he might judge her beauty.

And since the Duke had never seen her, Candida was able to engage herself as governess to his ward. In his own household, she could observe him at work, at play, and in his cups - and she could decide whether she wanted to wed the Duke of Stratton.