alasdair cynster known to his intimates as lucifer decides to rusticate in the country before the matchmaking skills of londons mamas become firmly focused on him the last unwed cynster but an escape to devonshire leads him straight to his destiny in the irresistible form of phyllida tallent a willful independent beauty of means who brings all his masterful cynster instincts rioting to the fore lucifer isnt about to deny his desire for phyllida and hes determined to use all his seductive skills to enjoy the benefits of destinys choice without submitting to the parsons noosephyllida has had a bevy of suitors her charm and wit are well known throughout the countryside but none of them has tempted her the way lucifer does his offer to teach her all about the ways of love is almost too tantalising to resist and though shes not yet completely surrendered she knows only a fool stands against a cynsterand phyllida is no ones fool