Gillian Ames was born a bastard to a no account baron. Her half sister is dead, giving Gillian the opportunity to switch identities. She's planning to go to London, have a season and find a rich husband. Her goal is to make the remainder of her mother's life more comfortable. As Amanda Faith Wyndham, Gillian becomes the ward of the Earl of Mavenford. Under his mother's tutelage, Gillian has a great deal to learn before she's introduced to polite society.

Stephen Conley, the Earl of Mavenford, gets more than he counted on in the package of Miss Amanda Faith Wyndham. She has an uncanny way of justifying things to suit her way of thinking and still make sense. To Stephen's dismay, the young woman also seems to have an aversion to learning rules all ladies follow. He's at his wits' end to see she's properly turned out, but he's too attracted to her to send her back to York. He can't allow the attraction to grow. Can he put it aside and proceed with his own plans?

Rules For A Lady is at times amusing, and always touching. Gillian's actions are well meant but create situations Stephen would rather not have to deal with. Both characters are easy to care about as they try to accomplish their goals without involving their hearts.

Secondary characters show how stifling and narrow minded society can be, but they unwittingly help to bring out the truth about Gillian. Stephen's mother is refreshing, in her role as Gillian's teacher. Young Tom is a scamp, but he also helps Gillian become aware of life's harsher realities.

Descriptions of some odd places Gillian insists on touring, add chuckles in the story. At one point she gets an unexpected taste of a seedier side of life.

This, Ms Greyle's second novel, is slated to be a tv movie. The most important of all Rules For A Lady: read the book first, you'll get twice the enjoyment of it.