Katherine's hope for her beloved brother's return to their estate in Hampshire is dashed when she receives the news of his death... He met a brave death at Battle of Waterloo. Then cruel reality hits devastated Katherine. Her uncle's family claims the estate, leaving Katherine no access to her fortune. The only person she can turn to for help is Lord Adam Calthorpe, her late brother's superior. Little does she know her brother asked Adam to look after Katherine if any ill fate were to befall him...
Katherine is rescued from her plight by Lord Adam Calthorpe, her late brother's senior officer, and Adam's mother, Lady Calthorpe. Katherine finds herself increasingly attracted to Adam, who fights with all his might to protect her. But his idea of an ideal woman is a blue-eyed, blond beauty. In comparison, unworldly Katherine lacks the grace of a lady. No matter. Lady Calthorpe, who sees an exceptional beauty and talent in Katherine, takes the matter into her own hands to make Katherine's social debut a big success. And so the social season begins.