Beatrice Aston, three-and-twenty, is known for her quick wit, sharp tongue, and unapologetic demeanor. She is also quite content with her life, for the most part, even if there are areas that could see some improvement. Namely, her marriage prospects. After all, she is aware that she is on a path toward spinsterhood and is starting to reconsider what she wants for her future. Enter Christopher Ramsbury, son of the Marquis of Crawley, smart, handsome, and charming—to everyone except Beatrice Aston. Yet one day his words lead him to a wager, one where he will lose his most treasured belonging unless he courts the only lady whose gaze is heavy with displeasure whenever she sees him. Beatrice finds herself contemplating suitable Lord Warwick when Christopher starts intruding in her life in a most unwelcome manner. Especially because she finds that his façade doesn’t necessarily reflect his spirit, and Christopher is just as befuddled by the passion and liveliness he suddenly becomes enchanted with. But can the rivals find some common ground before any possibility of happiness is shattered by lacking, hasty decisions? And how far will they go to give real love a chance?