Adeline has been at the mercy of others her entire life: the aunt and uncle who constantly remind her she should be grateful they took her in after her parents died of a tragic illness. Her guardian in the city who constantly reminds her that she should be grateful they're giving her a coming of age in the city. The suitors who make it clear she should be grateful they're lowering themselves to even consider her.

The only person who's ever made her feel wanted was Lisette, the maid she once fell in love with. The maid who fled in the night with stolen goods, including the pearls that were all Adeline had left of her mother.

Then, while at yet another ball where she feels alone, out of place, and trapped between choosing happiness or doing what's expected of her, Adeline encounters the beautiful Lady Wisteria—whom Adeline knows better as the maid Lisette...