To avoid the matchmaking skills of London society, Alistair Cynster--better known as Lucifer--heads for the English countryside to visit an old friend. Upon his arrival, he discovers his friend dead, and he is knocked unconscious by a blow to the head. He awakens to find himself in the care of Phyllida Tallent, a beautiful, strong-willed young woman who is determined to remain unmarried. As they join forces to discover the murderer, they feel themselves drawn together by a passion they cannot control.