A picnic meant to allow Andrew to further his acquaintance with Lady Abigail turns to frustration when her brother brings back more than just flavored ice from Gunther's.

When a duke requests an audience, there are few who would dare refuse. Sophie, however, is precisely one of those people. But when Andrew forces the issue, he's left with more than just their conversation to ponder.

The Season is in full swing with more balls, soirees and musicales than an aristocrat could shake a stick at. Most of the attendees, including Sophie, will be spending the evening at the Alfred's Ball. Any other night, Sophie would be excited, but tonight she's a bundle of nerves. For this will be the first event in which she and Andrew will both be in attendance.

Upon the death of his father, Andrew returns to England to assume his place as Duke of Tolland. His homecoming sends memories flooding his brain. But those are nothing compared to the surprise fate has in store for him.

Seven years later, Lady Sophie Sinclair is back in London and, more importantly, back in society's good graces. The trouble is, both the Ton and her brother Simon have decided it's past time she was married. For a woman who wants nothing to do with a husband, the thought is devastating. To make matters worse, Simon gives Sophie an ultimatum she considers tantamount to a death sentence.

On the day of his wedding, Lord Andrew Wolter, future Duke of Tolland, finds himself alone at a table in a darkened part of White's. However, the copious amounts of alcohol he has imbibed have nothing to do with celebration. Instead he's doing his best to soothe his shattered pride. For how else can a man cope with being jilted...at the altar?

Sophie's denial pushes Andrew to involve her brother Simon. When she attempts to ambush Andrew in his study, her plan backfires in the most horrible way imaginable.

The appearance of Andrew's business partner Charles - and his cousin Kate - leaves more than just Sophie in a state of aggravation. And this time when she finds herself alone with the duke, things go from heated to downright incendiary.

Sophie and Andrew come to an arrangement of sorts.

Another ball, another meeting between Sophie and Andrew. Only this time, the duke is offering exactly what Sophie wants. Or is he?