Served up for marriage, one young woman plans to make herself a very tart meal.

When the Marlowes receive an invitation to visit the elderly Lord Ringwood at Donington, the whole family is agog with curiosity. For why, after all these years, should the Baron suddenly wish to become acquainted with his poor relations?

It is Kate, being the eldest unmarried daughter, who is chosen to accompany her father. But all too soon, as she discovers the truth, she begins to wish the invitation had never been issued. She learns, to her dismay, that the autocratic Lord Ringwood is intent upon a marriage of convenience between her and his drunken, dissolute rake of a son. Kate is to be a lady for Ludovic.