Chessie's father committed a crime to protect his family, but then he died. She was at a loss as to what to do after selling their manor, but Miles Hunter, a mystery novel author, gave her an option. He'd let her and her sister stay on at the manor as servants. But Chessie was unused to housework, and her hands soon became rough and her cheap clothes made her a source of gossip in town. Then Miles invited her out to dinner. He had been kind to her lately, so Chessie had started opening up to him. But his words at dinner surprised her. He has a proposal for her and she must make her decision on the spot!