Alexandra Douglas and her invalid sister were left penniless and fatherless when their parents divorced. Their father meant to see to their futures but died before he could, and his penny-pinching heir, a distant cousin, has refused to support them. Alex and her sister cook up a scheme to make things right.

Peregrine Sullivan is one of three destitute brothers whose wealthy, debauched uncle has decided to avenge some grievances against his family by forcing his three heirs to marry unsuitable women or see their inheritance go elsewhere. The first two brothers have already found their soiled doves, but Peregrine is still looking.

At least until he sees the hump-backed, middle-aged spinster with the unfortunate birth mark, who is inventorying a library he's visiting. It would be fun to say it's love at first sight, but of course that's not quite true. Still, it's an entertaining read.