Madeline Seymore, vicar's daughter and shrewish spinster, is out doing the Lord's work, when a passing horse sprays her with muck. The careless rider almost runs her over in his haste to reach the village tavern. Second-best dress ruined and only her temper keeping her warm, Madeline confronts the unfeeling lout to demand an apology.
Robert Reynolds only wants to drink the afternoon away and forget about the responsibilities that come with being the heir to the Marquess of Cambourne. Instead, he's confronted by a sharp-tongued, filthy young woman who claims he's ruined her dress. He'd rather ruin her.