With his marriage clock loudly ticking, Lord Edward Laurence's wife quest had brought him to a most unsuspecting lady. The ever-capable Miss Emily Howland was certain the dashing Lord Edward had set his sights on none other than her uncommonly beautiful and woefully innocent cousin. Determined to protect her charge from the nefarious advances of Edward, Emily placed herself in the path of his conquest, damning her own reputation forever. Or so she thought. For Edward's object of passion had always been Emily. Now he had to prove to his reluctant bride-to-be that hers was the only surrender he desired!