Lieutenant Edward Henshaw has been in love from the moment he set eyes on the most beautiful woman in creation. He has been cautious, he has been attentive, and he has been patient, and now... Now... Well, now he's made a wager with the heiress Charlotte Wright as to who will marry first, and he will be no match for her determination. So his waiting must end, and he must court his heart's desire: Miss Kitty Morton.

Kitty is as shy as shy can be, which has never seemed to bother Edward. When plans are made for her to start entertaining the attentions of bachelors, there is no one she wants by her side except him and the comfort his presence provides. What she does not expect is how very uncomfortable she starts to feel around him, and how very much she enjoys it.