The Dowager Duchess of Clayton, Clarice Sinclair, has spent her entire life doing exactly what she is supposed to. But as a young widow, she finds her options have widened dramatically. Now that she's finally free to do whatever she likes, she decides it's time to reconnect with the scoundrel she'd once loved.

Roman St. James, the Earl of Chatham, has never quite gotten over the one who got away. He's hidden his heartbreak beneath all sorts of debauchery, but when he hears that Clarice's elderly husband has passed away, he can't resist trying one more time. But will Clarice be willing to give up her newfound independence for the love of a scoundrel?