No one could ever accuse Rebecca Tremaine of being a proper young lady. She's wretched at embroidery, pitiful at the pianoforte, and entirely too informed about the human body, courtesy of her father's Scientific Journals. And now she's been compromised by a dandy she despises! When her parents arrange a hasty marriage to save her honor, there is only one man she can turn to for help.

Nobody has any idea that Irish groom Connor Riordan is actually the fifth Duke of Dunbrooke, "killed" in action at Waterloo, and he wants it to stay that way. But a true gentleman can never turn away from a damsel in distress. Soon Connor and Rebecca dash away and into a world of adventure, where they are pursued by bumbling highwaymen, a scheming duchess, and Rebecca's fiancé.

Being by the side of the beautiful and desirable Rebecca jeopardizes Connor's secret every day--and tests his willpower every night. For if ever there was a reason to bring the Duke of Dunbrooke back from the dead, it would be to make Ms. Tremaine his Duchess!