Self-effacing, overworked bookkeeper Elie Benezet doesn't have time to be in love. Too bad he already is--with his favorite client, Augustus Brine. The Royal Navy sailing master is kind, handsome, and breathtakingly competent. He's also engaged to his childhood sweetheart. And now that his prize money is coming in after years of delay, he can afford to marry her...once Elie submits the final prize paperwork. To cap it all off, Augustus's fiancée arrives in town, senses that Elie has a secret, and promptly accuses him of embezzling. Has Elie's doom been sealed...or is there still time to change his fate?