London, England 1875. Fawn Heathcote has resisted the advances of her aunt's rakish half-brother for as long as she dared. Dependent on her aunt's charity, the orphan girl has steadfastly refused to succumb to Captain Crispin Wolfe's indefatigable attempts to seduce her. Declaring himself her regent, Wolfe vows to block attempts to marry her off, provoking Fawn's aunt to jealousy. One night, Wolfe delivers a devastating message and Fawn realizes that only the handsome rake can save her. Spirited away to Hawkcliffe Hall, his country estate, the girl lives under Crispin's protection where her resistance to his seduction gradually breaks down. She soon discovers her would-be uncle has a loving side ... and a lethal one.