Damaris Chance's unhappy past has turned her off the idea of marriage forever. But her guardian, Lady Beatrice Davenham, convinces her to make her coming out anyway-- and have a season of carefree, uncomplicated fun. Then Damaris finds herself trapped in a compromising situation with the handsome rake Freddy Monkton-Coombes, and she has no choice but to agree to wed him-- as long as it's in name only. Her new husband seems to accept her terms, but Freddy has a plan of his own: to seduce his reluctant winter bride.