Violet Burton and her cousin Emilia are at odds, but Violet isn't exactly sure why. She understands that her cousin is frustrated since she had expected to be the only debutante in the family during her first season, but would that be enough reason to hate someone?
On their way to Colchester, they have an unfortunate run-in with the Marquess of Watford, which results in the ruining of Violet's favorite dress. The arrogant Lord Cromwell is not exactly apologetic or only pretends to be. Luckily, the handsome but disagreeable marquess is escorted by an even more handsome man, Mr. Basford, a simple country gentleman. But who is he really?
Violet finds herself on the receiving end of a terrible, scheming young woman, a friend of her cousin. She will stop at nothing, including spreading rumors and lies about her, and uses a silly mistake to blackmail and threaten Violet.
When Mr. Basford turns out to be someone unexpected, Violet is taken aback, but her feelings for him grow stronger. She is caught between falling in love with the man, and the growing threat of losing him if the cunning women around her make good on their promise to expose and ruin her.