Devon Ravenel, a notorious and charming libertine, unexpectedly inherits an earldom after the sudden death of his cousin, Theo. Along with the title comes a crumbling estate, , which is saddled with immense debt and a household of people he never planned to care for. The estate is currently occupied by:
: The young widow of the late earl, whose marriage lasted only three days before the fatal accident.
: Devon’s brother, an irresponsible drunkard who undergoes a significant redemption arc as he becomes a dedicated land manager for the estate.
: A woman of sharp wit and determination, she is fiercely protective of her sisters-in-law and initially distrusts Devon’s rakish reputation.
: Theo’s younger sisters—Helen, and the rambunctious twins Cassandra and Pandora.