With Uncle Charles away, the rakes are out to play.When Regina Darlington's globetrotting guardian doesn't return from his latest adventure before the start of the Season, she finds herself the object of a scandalous challenge. Fortunately, her eccentric uncle taught her an ancient warrior art for just these circumstances, and she is adequately equipped to defend her virtue. Protecting her heart is another matter.New Orleans gadabout Xavier Vistoire made a powerful enemy during his stay in London two years ago, and he has been paying for it ever since. Imprisoned at a remote farmhouse with nothing but a burly simpleton for companionship, Xavier jumps at the chance to earn his freedom. All he must do is break into an earl's house and steal a map, but complications arise when he surprises a goddess during her bath and her little dog causes him to fall down the stairs. He wakes to find nothing about his situation is easy except falling head over heels for Miss Darlington.