Abigail Wendover, with her high-spirited intelligence and good looks, was a most sought-after young woman. But of all her high-placed suitors, there was none Abigail could love.

Abigail was kept busy when her pretty and naive niece, Fanny, fell head over heels in love with Stacy Calverleigh, a good-looking town-beau of shocking reputation and an acknowledged seductor. She was determined to prevent her high-spirited niece from becoming involved with the handsome fortune-hunter.

The arrival in Bath of Stacy's uncle seemed to indicate an ally, but Miles Calverleigh is the black sheep of the family. Miles Calverleigh had no regard for the polite conventions of Regency society. His cynicism, his morals, his manners appalled Abigail. He also turned out to be the most provoking creature Abigail had ever met - with a disconcerting ability to throw her into giggles at quite the wrong moment.

Will Abigail overcome Miles' indifference towards his nephew and help Abigail foil Stacy's plans?