Nicola had grown accustomed to being the 'poor relation' of the Round family. They had adopted her when she was orphaned, and been casually kind to her ever since -- then dismissed her, equally kindly, as a nobody. Still, her cousins were exceptionally pretty and talented, while Nicola herself had nothing to commend her but a plain face and a nice nature. It would, of course, be nice to be noticed and admired, but where was the man who was likely to do that? Then she met Piers Mason, who certainly was interested in her -- until he turned out to be not quite what he seemed. And what about his stern but attractive cousin Leigh? Would Nicola have any better luck with him?