Sarah, the Countess de Marchand, has many secrets. She's spent the last two years writing a gossip column while also carrying on a love affair with lumber baron, Simon Archer. Realizing she cannot continue either endeavor forever, she dismisses Simon and retires to Dorset, sure that he will be better off without her.

Orphan-turned-millionaire Simon Archer knows no amount of money will make him worthy in the eyes of the ton. But when Sarah's neighbor, the penniless Earl of Tryll, cooks up a scheme to fake Simon's heritage so that it will be socially acceptable for him to marry his daughter, Simon accepts, if only to spite everyone.

Now forced back into each other's social spheres, will Sarah and Simon be able to continue with their separate plans for the future? Or will their passion prove too powerful to dismiss?