Miss Lucy Davenport had never known true contentment. As the unremarkable middle child, she had long accustomed herself to a quiet existence—always attentive to the needs of others, while attempting to remain unseen herself. There were only ever snippets of time, when she could retreat to her childhood treehouse, where she hoped that one day, she might summon the courage to claim happiness for her own. Mr. Anthony Hartwell had never been permitted the indulgence of choosing his own future. As the fifth son of a noble house, there was no inheritance awaiting him. Instead, his parents secured for him both a magical apprenticeship and a commission in His Majesty’s army. But no one could decide the affections of his heart. After years of absence in the field, Anthony had come to learn that what he desired most in life was Lucy Davenport. But it would seem that this too, was out of his control. Ultimately, it is she who must choose him.