After the death of her husband on the ship Salty Dove, Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, realises she is free of an unloving, disrespectful man. She has no need, nor desire, to marry again. With the help of two widowed friends, Adeline starts a school for disadvantaged girls and rebuilds her life. Adeline is happy . . . until she meets the dashing future Earl of Marksworth. Lyon will one day be the Earl of Marksworth, but he will not be like his father. Where his father has moved from woman to woman, outliving three wives and taking many mistresses all over London, Lyon wants passion, enjoyment and fulfillment from a wife. When he meets Adeline, Lyon believes he has found his match. But Adeline is only willing to be his lover - exactly what he doesn't want . . .