Widower James Ludlow, Earl of Rotherham, attends a house party in search of a mother for his two daughters, and his primary requirement is that he doesn't fall in love. Having already given that emotion to his former wife without reciprocation, he prefers an unsentimental, mutually beneficial arrangement. However, he meets a charming widow with seemingly wonderful maternal instincts, and he can't ignore the sparks between them. Perhaps a little passion wouldn't be so unwelcome... Everyone thinks Charlotte Dunthorpe is a widow, but she's only pretending to be. When her dear friend invites her to a matchmaking house party that isn't only for the purposes of marriage, Charlotte is tempted to indulge in a short liaison. Instead, the dashing and kind-hearted Rotherham offers her the chance for the family she always wanted. She must refuse or risk exposing her devastating secrets and ensuring the absolute ruin of all that she holds dear.