Lady Elizabeth Cabot has put recklessness behind her. But who would have thought that one immodest act could disrupt her entire world and force her toward a loveless marriage? Now desperate, she approaches her childhood friend, Peter Derby, with a daring plan.

Peter remembers everything about the spirited girl who had stolen his heart. But there are rumors that she is the model for the scandalous painting hanging in London's most exclusive gentlemen's club. If Peter agrees to pose as her fiancé, Elizabeth promises she'll reveal the whole truth.

But Peter has his own ideas about this sham "engagement" to the woman who's always been just out of his reach-and he's willing to risk yet another scandal to make her truly his.