Annie's father, an earl, has died, and her younger brother and heir, away studying abroad, has been waylaid and murdered by bandits. Her mother has gone mad with grief. A proper young noblewoman whose head was full of romance, Annie is now forced to become mistress of a vast estate.
Young noblemen flock to her, flaunting their power and wealth in hopes of becoming her lover. Meanwhile, schemes, intrigue, and her family's complicated past come pouring down on her, and Annie has to use every trick at her disposal to cope.
Family, estate, marriage... One unexpected problem after another takes center stage, and Annie gradually grows into a capable heir, eventually becoming a duke worthy of everyone's respect.
