The Marquis of Raceworth inherited an unmatched pearl necklace from his beloved grandmother. In just a short time he has been approached by three different and questionable individuals trying to buy the necklace. When he is approached a fourth time, Raceworth is mildly annoyed until he meets the myterious woman trying to obtain them. She is a dowager Duchess.

Instead of the elderly woman he expects, Race meets a fascinating, beautiful, young woman who intrigues him. He isn't willing to turn over the pearls but he is interested in learning more about Susannah, Duchess of Brookfield.

Susannah was compromised during her season by a dissolute young man who refuses to marry her. She was married off to an elderly man. Upon the death of her husband, Susannah resists the lure of the London and remains in her home. Her mother is in bad health and she has requested that Susannah obtain the pearls which were stolen from their family.

Susannah has come to London with the paperwork which supports her claims of ownership. When Race refuses to deal with her claims, she decides to stay in London to do her best to convince him of the validity of her claim.

Susannah and Race are developing a strong foundation when the pearls are stolen from Race's safe. Race feels betrayed and Susannah will do what she must to prove that she is innocent of the theft.

This was an amusing story with some likable characters. It was a pleasure to watch the developing relationship between Race and Susannah. The only disappointment was the revelation of the identity of the thief. The situation was preposterous enough for me to feel disappointed and letdown.