Three years ago, Kate rejected Edmund, Lord Shuttleworth's impassioned marriage proposal in no uncertain terms. Now he's back, and it's Kate's final season. She needs a straightforward, paper–only marriage, yet her feelings for Edmund are anything but straightforward!

Shocked by Edmund's reappearance at a lavish house party, Kate flees to the private study to compose herself. But her self–control doesn't last for long.... Caught in a compromising situation, the man she can't possibly marry is suddenly announcing their betrothal to the ton!