A decade ago, Raphael Brontë sold his heart to a wealthy French Countess, whose patronage allowed him to pursue his dream of becoming an important painter in France. Now that she is dead, he must forfeit her bequest if ever he chooses to marry.

Prudence Middleton, a proper English governess, abandoned her dreams of finding happiness in marriage when her father’s desertion forced her to work for a living—to support herself, as well as her mother and sister back home. Now, she is on her way to France to prepare a willful young woman for her debut—a task that seems as hopeless as ever escaping her lonely and degrading existence. Unless, of course, she meets a man who has money, along with all the other noble qualities she desires in a husband.

When Lord Brontë takes an interest in her, she begins to believe her prayers have been answered—until she learns her suitor is not what he appears to be.