Clara Hayward revels in her position as headmistress of the most prestigious ladies' finishing school in England. But when her parents die-- leaving their import company on the edge of bankruptcy-- the school becomes Clara's only hope of rescuing her family from financial ruin. Armed with her wits and her substantial connections, Clara expands the school's curriculum to incorporate an exclusive summer itinerary-- an enterprise that caters only to the wealthiest members of the ton. It is a clever solution that might just work,as long as Clara remains strictly professional with the handsome Duke of Holloway.

August Faulkner was never supposed to be a duke. As the youngest son of the 12th Duke of Holloway, he spent many years cultivating his reputation as a playboy before unexpectedly inheriting the title. It's a lifestyle that provides a convenient cover for his true passion--seeking out companies on the brink of financial disaster and swallowing them for profit. And there are rumors that the once-prosperous import company held by Lancelot Hayward may be ripe for taking. Which is why he's agreed to chaperone his younger sister on her summer school adventure--it's the perfect opportunity to investigate the Hayward family. Except nothing could have prepared him for Clara Hayward. Charmed by her humor and cleverness, August finds himself spending more and more time with her, and he quickly realizes it's not just her family business he wants...