"Lady Felicity Nicolet, known affectionately to her intimates as Ferocity, has had the privilege of being the eldest of the Duke of Pelham's daughters. She has been the leader of the pack, and she and her six sisters have grown up isolated in the Yorkshire Dales under the wildly unsuitable tutelage of their unconventional father and rather original housekeeper. Felicity's father has gone along happily, convinced every idea that arrives in his head must be acted on, imagines himself hilariously funny, considers the niceties of society other people's problem, and does not hesitate to tell a bald-faced lie when it amuses him. He leaves a trail of offended people behind him wherever he goes, including Mr. Percy Stratton's father. Mr. Stratton, the eldest son of Viscount Denderby, has been watching his friends fall one by one to the parson's noose. He will not be chained! Unfortunately, the viscount disagrees with his son. This leaves Percy with only one choice-he must become the most hapless and unsuccessful suitor who ever set foot in London. Operation Sadly Hopeless is born. When Felicity sets eyes on the grim-faced Earl of Rustmont, she is instantly struck, though the earl does not return her admiration. Mr. Stratton claims that if Lady Felicity appears to look upon him with favor, the earl will go mad with jealousy. What Percy does not bother to explain is that his father will refuse to sanction any connection to her father--theeby leaving his son the supposed victim of a doomed affection and still very much a bachelor."--Publisher marketing.