The first book in M.C. Beaton's charming Edwardian Candlelight series.

She was a bewitching young girl, that pretty Polly Marsh, and she knew it. She also knew that beauty could be her passport into the castles where she had always known she belonged. So she set her sights for a duke and joined the firm of Westerman's as a stenographer. Surely one of that noble family would notice her and then all of her dreams would come true! The trouble with Pretty Polly Marsh was that she just didn't know her place. But others did, and were only too happy to remind her that dashing Lord Peter was merely playing at love when he appeared to be paying her court. The duchess was beside herself. Peter's brother, the starchy Marquis of Wollerton, was desperate to pry Peter from Polly's side. But Polly was determined to have Peter, and her dream. Peter wouldn't betray her, would he?

The Edwardian Candlelight Series chronicles young, passionate girls who come to understand the nature of true love despite overwhelming odds. From a penniless pauper, a stenographer, a governess to an accused murderess, these ladies in love overcome incredible odds with grit and sophistication to find and keep true love.