This novel was a good read. I enjoyed the plot, especially a woman who does things in society that many believe only men should be able to do.
For the last 2 years society has scorned Lady Sarah Beauchamp due to her poisoning tea. She has decided she wants to get her reputation restored after seeing the happiness her sisters have with marriage. Mr. Jonathon Annesley, a future viscount, makes a gentleman's promise to help restore Sarah's place in society. However, he is a member of Parliament and has great plans for building a school to help women. He wants this to pass legislation since he promised his mother after his cousin had fallen on hard times. He feels much guilt from it and will do whatever is necessary for the Parliament to accept his proposal.
Sarah, Johnathan, and Johnathan's sister Olivia attend a house party. Sarah is not received well. Society still scorns her and sisters. They make comments about Sarah and her sisters. Sarah is very well read and after her mishap two years ago, made herself more knowledgeable. She even made her own wine that has some healing properties. However, society believes that a woman cannot do this and they feel threatened by women with knowledge.
As Sarah and Johnathan try to repair her reputation, they cannot keep denying their attraction for one another. Johnathan realizes he wants Sarah as his wife, but some of the men at the party try to dissuade him from assisting Sarah and hold their votes over his head. Which path will Jonathan choose and does it it include breaking his gentleman's promise? When Sarah is accused of poisoning someone, will Jonathan stand by her or let society blame her for something she did not commit?