Jane Lonsdale had been dismissed from her position at Miss Prism’s Academy because the music master had tried to kiss her. Jane went to her aunt, having no idea that the housekeeper had married Lord Pargeter, who promptly died. Neighbors at nearby Swann Hall were suspicious about the will, and Lord Fenwick, a visitor, decided to investigate. Though Jane’s past hinted of scandal, Fenwick was intrigued.

Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane. London, England, 1860: When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.

Miles from anywhere, the isolated mansion Darracott Place is presided over by the irascible Lord Darracott. The recent drowning of his eldest son has done nothing to improve his temper. For now he must send for the unknown offspring of the uncle whom the family are never permitted to mention. Yet none of that beleaguered family are prepared for the arrival of the weaver's brat and heir apparent.

Horry Winwood doesn't play by the rules. So when her family are near ruin and her sister is about to enter a loveless marriage to a wealthy man to settle the family debts, young and headstrong Horry proposes to marry him instead. As her new husband's attentions fall elsewhere, Horry feels increasingly unhappy. Then she meets the attractive and dangerous Lord Lethbridge, and her days suddenly become more exciting. But there is bad blood between Horry's husband and Lord Lethbridge, and as complications and deceptions mount, the social tangle grows ever trickier to unpick.

Who is Lissa Findlay? What secret prevents her confiding in Lord Ashe, when he plucks her from the opera chorus to be governess to his invalid nephew? What will his sister and mother do if they discover her past? And can she ever trust him, after he made her a very improper offer indeed?