William Calthorpe, fourth Duke of Aylsham, values tradition highly. His impeccable manners have earned him the nickname Lord Appropriate. One day after moving, he finds himself the neighbor of Verity Wingate, the daughter of a bishop. Verity takes an interest in him and tries to peer past his stern facade, but his walls appear to be impenetrable... Until one day, the two of them are forced to spend the night in a cottage together on a deserted island. There, Verity sees a side of Will she never expected to find, an emotional Will with whom she shares a sweet kiss.