Alistair became the Duke of Hawksley at a young age following the sudden death of his father. Inheriting vast estates, immense wealth, and a seat of heavy political influence, he was instantly thrust to the very top of the ton.

For years, he has been hunted by ambitious mothers and starry-eyed debutantes desperate for his title. This constant, aggressive flattery has deeply jaded him. He views the London Marriage Market as a shallow meat market and has grown to despise the superficiality of high society. He masks his deep sense of duty and the immense pressure from his overbearing mother behind a shield of cold arrogance and lazy boredom. He believes true, unselfish affection does not exist in their world—until he meets a debutante who refuses to bow to him.