Spinster Amelia accepts a position as a companion to her social-climbing aunt who is planning her next wedding before she is even out of mourning for her second husband. And the man her aunt is stalking is none other than the wealthy widower, the Duke of Caversham.

At a house party attended by both the duke and her aunt, Amelia is horrified at her aunt's behavior and decides to hide away in their host's library and gardens for the duration of their visit. On an evening walk through the maze she meets an older gentleman who intrigues and arouses her. She flees without learning his name, only to stumble across that same handsome gentleman in the library days later, where to Amelia's astonishment, he kisses her. And she kisses him back!

Amelia and the duke are caught in their passionate embrace by her aunt. Embarrassed at her own wanton behavior, Amelia flees the room believing he's used her to avoid her aunt. After confronting her aunt, the duke does what he believes is the honorable thing and makes plans to marry Amelia.

Only he never asks her.