An unconventional young woman falls in love with a disfigured
viscount.
Harriet Pomeroy, eldest
daughter of a small
town parson, has little interest in society pretension. Isolated in the country and content to remain so, Harriet is interested in three things; spelunking, geology and dramatic prose. She is also impulsive, bossy and inclined to take risks. These qualities lead her to summon the local
viscount for help when she uncovers a smuggling operation while exploring the caves near her home.
Gideon Westbrook, Viscount St. Justin, has a reputation almost as vile as his temper. Know as the Beast of Blackthorne hall, he was injured in a fencing accident several years ago. Since the death of his elder brother under mysterious circumstances, Gideon has been ostracized by society. However, he takes his responsibilities as a landowner seriously. He intends to deal with the smugglers and is surprised when the parson's
daughter insists on helping. He is shocked when Harriet is neither revolted by his appearance or scandalized by his manners. Harriet is about to develop another interest; civilizing surly viscounts.