A young military widow, Eliza Pierce is enjoying both freedom and financial success as part of Elegant Occasions. When her late husband's best friend, Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead, hires Elegant Occasions to help another young widow of an officer become part of high society, Eliza wonders why. Is the woman a relative? Or is she the earl's mistress and her adorable toddler his child? If so, why does he take Eliza in his arms every chance he gets... Foxstead's family situation makes it difficult for him to marry, so his visceral attraction to his best friend's widow is an unwelcome complication. Burdened by family secrets and those of his commanding officer, he's determined to do his duty even when it means being around Eliza every day. But how can he resist when the fetching Eliza keeps tempting him to break his own rules? For if he dares to expose the truth, will she ever forgive him? Or will she banish him from her life forever...