Serena Allen has taken refuge at her uncle's country house ever since a scandalous seduction left her reputation in tatters.

But her aunt has never given up hope of making a match for her and is delighted when the handsome, aristocratic Julien Clermont arrives at Boulton Park expressing an interest in the earl's famous butterfly collection—and interest of a different kind in Serena.

Serena herself views the guest with misgivings. Can a man be too charming? And can it be coincidence that important foreign documents entrusted to the earl have begun to disappear and reappear in odd places?

Julien is indeed on a top-secret—and personal—mission, one that prevents him from disclosing his real identity to Serena.

But the truth will out, and with it comes a devilish choice—betray the lovely, quick-witted woman who has won his heart, or risk forfeiting his own life...