While being attacked by a pair of thieves, noblewoman Lexie is saved in the nick of time by the Marquess of Stormaston, who proceeds to steal a kiss from the young dowager as a reward. Shortly after, Lexie learns that, though dashing he may be, the marquess is reputed among the aristocracy to be a relentless womanizer. When they next meet at a masquerade ball, Lexie approaches him with cautious attraction. However, that very caution is thrown to the wind when she challenges him to a horse race and promises to become his mistress if she loses…