For the daughter of a gentleman during the English Regency, life can be a whirlwind of parties, balls and outings--all to catch a suitable husband. For Georgiana and Cecilia Rowland and their friends, finding and securing the right husband is further complicated by misunderstandings, prejudices, rebellion against social restrictions, uncooperative suitors...and sometimes their own wayward hearts. Eligible bachelor Mr. Richard Harding has his heart set on marrying his lifelong friend and neighbor, Miss Georgiana Rowland. However, the two have been good friends for so long that, when he finally screws up his courage and proposes to her, Georgie thinks he's merely teasing! Georgiana has good reason to be so distracted. Her younger sister is about to be launched into society and most of the work and worry falls on Georgie. Also, despite her mother's furious command, she's befriended the scandalous Lady Shipton, which brings both blessing and chaos to the Rowland family and to their kind uncle, Sir Henry. Worse for Mr. Harding, Lady Shipton's charming stepson takes a strong liking to the beguiling Georgie. Mr. Harding keeps proposing, again and again, while still trying to support Georgie in her trials. Is it possible for such a good friendship to turn into love?

Set in the Regency period of England, this is a story about how two people can be such good friends that they almost miss out on love. Mr. Harding proposes to his childhood friend Georgiana Rowland, but she thinks he's joking to lift her spirits. And they need lifting: she's helping to bring her younger sister into the ton; she's defying her mother's prohibition to keep her new friend, an ex-actress; and her beloved, staid Uncle Henry is about to cause a scandal. She depends on Mr. Harding to support her... and he must somehow convince her he loves her as more than just a friend.