1802 Colchester Hall, Northumberland. Harriet has been invisible all her life, a dutiful daughter, a dutiful wife and, with her husband's recent passing, a dutiful widow. When she inherits her husband's fortune, she discovers a freedom she has only dreamt of. Now wealthy, Harriet can say yes whenever she chooses – but only if she remains unmarried. Battling her ingrained sense of duty and her conniving mother-in-law, Harriet must fight for her new-found independence. But every day, her feelings for long-time confidante Alexander grow, leaving her with an agonising choice – freedom, or love. Which will she say ‘yes’ to? 2023 London. Gabriella Sullivan has a lot to juggle. Taking on more responsibility at a London art gallery pays the bills, but being her family's default administrator, cook and babysitter is what drains most of her energy. When Gabriella stumbles upon Regency miniatures of Harriet Colchester, she's fascinated by the differences before and after Harriet’s marriage – one portrait deferential, the other devil-may-care. Inspired to research Harriet's story, it doesn't hurt that the investigation includes Hugo, the chocolate-voiced owner of the miniatures. Can Harriet's journey help Gabriella find her own voice, and say 'no' to her family's unreasonable demands?