Lucy Goodwin fears losing her individuality and independence to marriage under 1803 English law. Bereaved of her father, Lucy’s world revolves around her brother and his successful thoroughbred breeding business near London. Her security and independence are threatened when her brother is injured and Lucy is confronted by potential disgrace and scandalous allegations. Lucy's actions worsen the situation by exposing the reputation and honor of her brother's new business partner, the Marquis of Chalifour, to the potential scandal. Lucy is torn between protecting her brother and her heart, or Chalifour, the man she loves, from ruin.

 Lord Philip Lyton, Marquis of Chalifour is a member of the prestigious Jockey Club. He seizes the opportunity to merge his horses with the Goodwin horses to create a superior strain of thoroughbreds. A serious injury to Lucy's brother forces Chalifour to deal with Lucy instead of her brother. Chalifour's growing sense of unease with the partnership conflicts with his growing feelings for Lucy. When he discovers Lucy has deceived him, Chalifour must decide whether he can believe in Lucy's goodness, despite appearances to the contrary. In order to extricate her and her brother from certain calamity and claim Lucy for his own, Chalifour must find a way to earn Lucy’s confidence and her heart.