Beautiful Lady Penelope Winthrop wants a husband in name only—not for her the demands of a plaguesome male. She wants peace at her country estate with her herbs and flowers. Her wealth enables her to purchase the ideal mate—the disappearing sort. When Penelope saves the day and helps Jonathan, the Earl of Harford, win a wager, he agrees to assist Penelope in her quest. But he finds fault with every candidate for his distant cousin's hand. Over time Penny realizes she loves the handsome lord. Upon finding a love letter apparently written to Jonathan by a woman he loves, Penny decides she must return home. He dashes after her. Now begins a race for love!