Feuding families, two lovers, one choice, wife or mistress.

The disreputable Earl of Delmore, tossed out on his ear by his latest mistress, has decided to rusticate. During his first day of fishing, he catches the vicar's step-daughter, Miss Anna Winters on his hook . . . in more ways than one.

Despite knowing his family despises hers because of her wretched father's complicity in a plot to kill the king, Anna can't resist the lure of the handsome Earl. In no way acceptable as his wife, she offers to be his mistress.

Although dangerously tempted, the dastardly rake refuses her offer. Better to have loved and lost than never to have ruined a fascinating woman.