Never remarry. Never discuss the past. Never explain his actions to others. Never retreat from an objective or alter a decision. Never get involved with virgins or other men’s wives. These are the personal rules of Marcus Valerius Cloud, former farmer, now the infamous, enigmatic, unflappable Earl of Masters. The last rule gets turned on its head when he meets Iphiginia Bright, a virgin (unbeknown to him) masquerading as his mistress (also unbeknown to him, until someone informs him of his mistress’ dramatic entrance into Society). Iphiginia can of course explain why – she’s trying to flush out a blackmailer, and this seemed the best way to do it. Marcus decides to help in the quest. He also decides that Iphiginia should become his real mistress. But – to his shock – there’s the little matter of her virginity (again, see last rule … oops), plus his first rule about never remarrying. And Iphiginia’s declaration not to marry at all! And the blackmailer becoming more aggressive and bold. The delight, of course, is watching Marcus become more and more confounded by Iphiginia, especially when she considers making love is – well, nothing too exciting. A witty, classic romance.