Eight years ago, a tall, handsome stranger entered Lizzie Allbright's bedchamber and consummated a marriage of the utmost necessity. The Marquis of Steyne had agreed to wed and bed Lord Bute's admittedly lovely daughter to pay off his mother's gambling debts. But once the deed was done, Steyne's lawfully wedded wife vanished into the night.

Years later, Steyne has nearly forgotten about his runaway bride. But when he suddenly finds himself in need of an heir, he has no choice but to track her down. Living happily in a small village under an assumed name, Lizzie is surprised to see her husband—and to feel such a strong attraction to him. But she is downright shocked when he asks her to bear him a son. How can they possibly repeat the heated encounter of their ill-fated wedding night . . . without falling hopelessly in love?