He never expected to get caught in the parson's mousetrap. Least of all by a friend. Lord Nathaniel Westlake has a reputation with the ladies and their fathers. But he always manages to stay two steps ahead them catching him in the parson’s noose. His last narrow escape lands him on a ship and it seems like the perfect solution.

That is, until he learns the ship is bound for India. To make matters worse, the only available woman on board is a lady already wise to his antics. If he makes a muddle of things this time, there will be no means of escape.

When Miss Justina Tinsdale agrees to accompany her aunt and uncle on their journey to India, the last person she expected to discover aboard is Lord Nathaniel. The man seems incapable of remembering his past mistakes, but she does and she won't let him off so easily. But month after month of a ship finds them often in each other's company and she sees a side of him society would never believe. One she never expected. But is he worthy of her trust or is it just the confines of the ship that brings about the change in him?

Lord Nathaniel is determined not to let another woman hurt him, while Justina is sure he only wants to add her to his list of conquests. Will they learn to trust their feelings for one another, or is their friendship destined to break both their hearts?