Nerita's father killed himself when the gold mine he'd invested in petered out. Not only did he lose his entire fortune, but that of many others he had advised. Nerita's aunt and uncle are taking her in, but the shame brought upon the family ensures a bleak future for her.

She runs away and is hired as nursery-governess to a small boy neglected by his noble father. But when she meets the Marquis face-to-face, they are irresistibly drawn to each other.