Rosaleen Fleming is a bright flame, thoughtless of her reputation, and heedless of propriety. Since society considers her morally suspect because of her mother's youthful indiscretions, she plans to live up to everyone's worst expectations, even if it costs her the chance of a respectable marriage. That is, until she meets Lucien St. Cyr, Earl of Berwyn, who directs Rosaleen down the virtuous path to becoming a lady -- and sparks within her unexpected desires. Then Lucien learns that he is the heir to a hidden, shocking legacy. Convinced he is doomed, he embarks on a rake's progress that puts him far beyond the pale for the respectable Rosaleen. But a last, desperate attempt to reach the kind man she once adored places Rosaleen in mortal danger.