The Earl of Rule, at the age of thirty-five, has finally decided that it is time for him to marry.  Surprising his family, friends, and the ton, Rule selects the youngest and plainest Winwood sister to be his bride.  Horatia, at the tender age of seventeen, nobly sacrifices herself in marriage to Rule to save her family from financial ruin and give her sister, Lizzie, the opportunity to marry her true love.  She enters her marriage to Rule full aware that they aren't in love and promising "not to interfere" in his lordship's affairs.