Henrietta is beginning to wonder if Viscount Desford has fallen in love with a homeless waif. Without the intervention of his brother and Henrietta's worthy suitor Gary Nethercott, Desford is in danger of making a rare blunder in his affairs.

Henrietta is beginning to wonder if Viscount Desford has fallen in love with a homeless waif. Without the intervention of his brother and Henrietta's worthy suitor Gary Nethercott, Desford is in danger of making a rare blunder in his affairs.

"Georgette Heyer is unbeatable."-Sunday Telegraph

A young and lovely runaway alone on the road to London

Miss Charity Steane is running away from the drudgery of her aunt's household to find her grandfather. Not expecting her visit, the old gentleman is not in London but is away in the country.

A scandal broth in the making

When Viscount Desford encounters a lovely waif searching for her grandfather, he feels honor bound to assist her; but dashing about the countryside together, the Viscount must prevent his exasperating charge from bringing him ruin upon herself...and him.

In the end, his best idea is to bring Charity to his lifelong best friend Henrietta and that's when the fun and surprises begin...

"It all begins when a chivalrous and rich young gallant takes pity on a pathetic poor relation in a neighboring family. Before long he is so entangled in his efforts to help her that every step he takes leads to some hilarious new confusion. The romantic conclusions are not what you may expect, but that adds to the fun."-Publishers Weekly

"My favourite historical novelist-stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty. Her sense of period is superb, her heroines are enterprising, and her heroes dashing. I owe her many happy hours."-Margaret Drabble