Lexie Holloway falls desperately in love with the devastatingly handsome Earl of Synley after a brief encounter at a ball. But Synley is already engaged to be married and the heartbroken Lexie resolves to remain a spinster, and leaves for a new life in Italy. Years later, she returns home to find that much has changed – the once notorious Earl is a reformed character, and no longer married but it appears that his life may be in danger…