The reluctant heir to the Viscount Lisle, Christopher has lately had it made clear to him by his father that his marrying well is imperative to his sisters’ fortunes, for if they do not marry — And at least one has made it clear she would rather not — they shall become Christopher’s responsibility. You never know, Adler told him, when a little extra money comes in handy. Afraid to question this confounding line of thinking — They’re nobility and have plenty of money, don’t they? — Christopher nonetheless took on the recommendation with all solemnity. Never truly able to be the “youngest” despite his birth order, he finds himself burdened by the future more everyday.

Affable and well-liked amongst nearly everyone, Adler Hornsby-Talbot’s easy smile and generous nature hides a difficult truth: After a disastrous investment decision, his family’s finances are in shambles, and he owes a great deal more than he can pay. He has kept everyone in the dark about their dire straits, including his own wife, pinning all hope on the prospects of his four children marrying well. If only the kids were as interested in the same.