For seven years, Marian Ramsey has been quietly raising her young son alone with little interference from his guardians, when suddenly they demand that she remarry, and soon, in order to give the child the proper male guidance in the forthcoming years. Having waited these seven years for her to make a selection on her owna requirement they failed to mention to herthey feel their patience has been tested long enough, and if she does not remarry by the New Year, they see no other option but to take the boy from her. With only two months left to her, Marian is desperate. With no other viable options, there is only one acceptable answer to her problemher neighbor, Sir Giles Trent. But, with the deadline closing in upon her, she knows a naturally occurring courtship will take far too long. Her only hope is to go directly to him and ask him to marry her. But can she? And will he listen to her plea or think her utterly mad?