Lady Francesca Cecilia Epping angrily tossed the gauntlet at Brixton smythe-Medway's feet. The handsome, insolent rogue left the lady little choice after he wagered with friends that he wouldn't marry until he was fifty and would never wed "mousy Fanny Epping." Though she has secretly adored Brix for years, Fanny means to make him pay dearly for his indiscretion with one blistering kiss.