Lady Isabella Cavendish is the most beautiful, and the most scandalous, woman in England. The powdered, scented fops who frequent London’s ballrooms are definitely not Bella’s style … but there is something different about Sir Peregrine Pomeroy. There is a sizzling attraction between them, but Perry seems oddly reluctant to consummate their mutual passion. He finally confesses that he is in love with Bella, and that nothing less than marriage will do for him. But there are dark secrets in Bella’s past and she is not prepared to bring dishonour to Perry’s proud name. She tells him she is happy to be his mistress, but she will not marry him. The impasse continues until they are snowbound at a Christmas house party. Perry challenges Bella to a game of billiards. He insists on a forfeit. If he wins Bella will become his mistress. If Bella wins, she must agree to marry him.