After receiving what seems like an offer of employment from an English countess, orphan Bridget Kelly leaves her uncle's house in Dublin to make her own way in the world. But making her way in England is easier said than done, especially for an innocent Irish lass with no family or connections. In fact, she'll be lucky if she can make it to Derbyshire alive.

Still smarting from his brother and former fiancee's betrayal, rakish Captain Russell Avery arrives at his sister's Derbyshire estate, looking for something or someone to help soothe his bruised ego. When a pretty little Irish maid stumbles into his chamber one morning, Russell is certain he's found just the distraction he's looking for. Well, at least until he learns who the lass truly is and the place she's to hold in his sister's household.