After conventional means fail, Sebastian, Marquess of St. Just, takes reckless measures to secure that crumbling monstrosity known as Trembledown—a haven for local smugglers and moonlighting spies. He plans to scare, not seduce, its owner, but when a midnight encounter leaves them soaked, stranded, and possessing just one blanket for warmth, Sebastian, a.k.a. Robert the Brute, discovers that the widow Violet Treacher is not only willful and unafraid, she is maddeningly desirable…