The constraints of quiet widowhood have become too much for Lady Caroline Pearson to bear-especially now that her brother-in law has idiotically, and illegally, gambled away her house. Boldly, she confronts the new owner in person. But not only does the dashing rogue, James Ferrington, refuse to return Caroline's deed, he tries to take scandalous advantage of her as well. Sheepish and repentant, James arrives on Caroline's doorstep to make amends - unaware that the young widow and her eccentric aunt are intent on retaliation. James merely meant to seduce a bewitching minx and have done with it-and, suddenly, he's a kidnapped prisoner in Caroline's cellar. But most shocking of all, James realizes that he has no desire whatsoever to be free-for the audacious Caroline has inflamed his senses, destroyed his reason...and completely captured his heart.