 The story begins in 1828 , Paris . Sebastian , now the intelligent but immoral 3rd Marquess of Dain , meets his match in Miss Jessica Trent , who has arrived in the city to rescue her unintelligent , nearly penniless brother Bertie from Dain 's bad influence . Dain and Jessica are instantly attracted to the other , though each seeks to hide their feelings . Dain has developed a hard , sarcastic personality ; he is hostile to noblewomen , as he believes they care only for money . Jessica , a 27 @-@ year @-@ old beautiful , strong @-@ willed bluestocking , has refused dozens of marriage proposals over the years and wishes to maintain her independence . 
