Daniel Smythe-Smith has just returned to England after hiding out in France and Italy because of a duel gone bad. On the night he returns he finds a performance of the Smythe-Smith quartet in his home. As to not upset the productions Daniel hides out and notices Anne Wynter. Ms. Wynter is the governess to his younger cousins. Both Anne and Daniel are enthralled with each other from the start, but he is an Earl and she is a governess.
This is a really cute and funny story. The story is totally predicable and that is actually part of the charm I think. If you are looking for a period book or something that is factual, this book is not it but more importantly I do not think it tries to be. I really liked the characters, especially Anne, it was really enjoyable to see a heroine understand her role in the world and then confuse herself when she knows she is not acting accordingly.