Eleanor Daventry has come into money, but she cannot access her inheritance without a husband. Steadfast and independent, however, she would rather become a schoolmistress than take a husband that she does not love.Meanwhile, Stratford Tunstall has discovered that his estate's unentailed land has been willed to Miss Daventry and is out of his reach unless they are wedded. Although cynical regarding love, the man recognizes a practical solution when he sees one. He and Miss Daventry must marry, and Stratford wastes no time in pressing his suit.His hasty and terribly executed proposal leaves Eleanor insulted and disgusted. Certain that they could never come to love each other and seeking to escape his presence, she flees to London for the Season. But fate keeps bringing the two together, and when combined forces threaten Eleanor's reputation, Stratford must decide whether she is worth fighting for. And Eleanor must be convinced his coming to her rescue is a deep inspired by love.