A witty tale of passions and practicalities in Regency England from the “powerful and wonderfully perceptive” RITA Award–winning author (Mary Jo Putney, New York Times–bestselling author of Lady of Fortune). Sally Paul is down to her last penny. As she spends it on a cup of tea—to stave off being at the mercy of the workhouse—the last thing she expects is an offer of marriage . . . from a complete stranger! Admiral Sir Charles Bright’s seafaring days are over—and according to society, that must mean he’s in need of a wife. Discovering that Sally’s in need of a home, he offers a solution. . . . They marry in haste. But will they enjoy their wedding night at leisure? “It is always a joy to read a Carla Kelly love story. Always original, always superb.” —RT Book Reviews “Kelly has the rare ability to create realistic yet sympathetic characters that linger in the mind.” —Library Journal