When Mr. Demetrius Valentine unexpectedly inherits a cottage by the sea, he makes the decision to travel there for the Christmas holiday to reflect on his life and determine what he truly wants for his future. What he had not anticipated was to discover the widowed sister of a client in the cottage next door. This could make for a very pleasant holiday, except Demetrius is fairly certain that the very proper marchioness does not care for him even though he desires her.

When Lavinia Stewart, Marchioness of Teviot, became a widow, she vowed to enjoy her freedom. Instead, she is living in her brother's home, supervising his household and their younger siblings, and hardly free at all. That is the reason Lavinia suddenly decides to leave her family to spend Christmas alone. She had not counted on her neighbor being her brother's solicitor?a confirmed bachelor and rake. A man she suddenly saw in a different light.

Maybe all she needed was a lover for the holiday. The only question, would Mr. Valentine be willing? Might this be a Christmas that neither one of them forgets?