Lady Jayne is the victim of gossip after a house party held by her parents. Lord Bartholomew Carringdale's arrival at the party is a feather in Lady Radcliffe's cap, and the knowledge that the Duke is looking at Sarah as his wife thrills the two women. When Sarah becomes embroiled in a scandal, her Mother attempts to have her sister escape the scandal by allowing Jayne to take the blame. Lady Radcliffe assumes Sarah's beauty and vivacity will encourage the Duke to offer for her.

Aware of Lady Radcliffe's lie, Lord Bartholomew Carringdale comes to Jayne's rescue with a marriage proposal. The marriage of convenience blossoms until Bart's grandmother and her companion visit, bullying and harassing Jayne, hoping they can undo the marriage. Barely aware of the abuse, Bart does little to support his wife, squiring around the woman who expected to marry him. As the visit drags on, Jayne becomes concerned that her marriage will not survive.

A comment at a house party shocks Bart, and he leaves the party, ordering his guests to return to the estate.

After evicting his guests, he discovers that his wife has fled.

It appears that his guests have succeeded in their aim of ending his marriage. Months pass as Bart tries to find Lady Jayne. Can he find Jayne, and will she forgive him for his lack of trust and disregard?

.