Grayson Bridlington, the Earl of Hawkeswell, has been living in limbo for two years, ever since his bride, heiress Verity Thompson, disappeared on their wedding day. As she hasn't been declared deceased, Hawkeswell cannot legally remarry and cannot access his wife's funds, either of which would settle his dire financial crisis. Hawkeswell finds Verity and strikes a bargain with her: in return for three kisses a day, he will not insist on his conjugal rights. But Verity discovers there are kisses and then there are kisses, as she begins to learn the true meaning of seduction.