Araminta Carrol, a rich merchant's daughter, was considered a social nobody by those of the highest social class, until her ambitious parents arranged for her to marry an Earl in exchange for her very large dowry.
Lord George Carroway, the Earl of Fenton, was in dire straits. His late father had left his family almost destitute. Proud and aristocratic, he regrettably knew his family would not survive the selling of their land and belongings. Offered a chance to save his inheritance, he agreed to sell himself, his position and his title.