Lady Alice Latham daydreams about escaping a world that has not been kind to her. When she accepts a marriage proposal from the Duke of Desford, her life changes forever. She has secretly loved the duke since childhood, never believing he would propose to her.

The duke wants a suitable wife, well-bred and conformable. He has always planned on Alice becoming his, and has kept his eye on her throughout her childhood. Installing Alice in his home and under his care, seems the perfect way to keep his new wife safe and under his control. But there’s a problem. Knox has been the duke’s friend and valet for most of his life. They’ve shared many things, including women. It only makes sense for Knox to help train and discipline Alice. But when his valet falls in love with his duchess, what’s a duke to do?

Can Alice accept her new husband’s desires and needs? Will the duke have the marriage and wife he’s always wanted and needed?