He’ll do anything for the woman he loves…except tell the truth.

Gabriella d’Aventure is a young woman on a mission. She has come to England as a lady’s maid in single-minded pursuit of the Duke of Rother. When she meets Horace Carpenter, valet to a marquess, she is delighted to enlist his aid in gaining her heart’s desire: a meeting with the duke. But will her growing feelings for the handsome valet interfere with her plans for Rother?

The eccentric Marquess of Halford, Hal to his friends, is fed up with the demands of Society, especially his father’s decree that he marry this Season. To that end, Hal hides out at Lady Hamilton’s ball, refusing to choose a bride. However, when a breathtaking young woman intrudes on his solitude, Hal is instantly captivated and rashly introduces himself as his valet and offers his help. Despite his growing fear about the true motive behind Gabriella’s quest to meet the duke, Hal devises a plain to her gain an audience with him, all the while praying his deception won’t ruin his chances of winning her love.