Adriana, Lady Benton, has many regrets-and one hope. To wed a man to gain a life to which she is entitled. One free of sorrow and ridicule. Appealing to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Adriana hopes to attract one man who may appreciate her assets. But never need her love. Colonel Sidney Wolf, once hailed as the ruthless 'Hound of the Horse Guards', vows to end Adriana's hardships. He's home from the wars and faces the daunting task of filling his father's role as the Earl of Middlethorpe. Believing only Adriana will do as his helpmate, he strikes a deal with Dove-Lyon that brings him the one woman he admires. The one woman he tells himself he can live with and never touch. But the nearness of his funny, charming, beautiful bride drives him mad. Knowing she will never love other than her first husband, can he keep his hands-and his heart to himself?