All of London looks forward to the Dowager Duchess of Clayworth's annual ball. For no matter how hard the serious society matron strives to host an elegant event, scandal always ensues . . .

Seven years ago it was a young Serena Donovan and Jonathan Dane who shocked the ton when they were discovered in a most compromising position. Tonight they return for the first time as the Earl and Countess of Stratford. And while Serena hopes for a quiet evening to introduce her younger sister Olivia to society, Jonathan's only desire is to pick up where he and Serena left off . . .

Though innocent Olivia secretly longs for the kind of passion her sister shares with her husband, none of the men she's met spark a fire inside her heart-least of all the notorious Marquis of Fenwicke. When his request for a waltz turns into something sinister, Olivia must use her wit and wiles to evade a powerful peer who vows if can't have her, no man shall...