Rochford Manor, outside London, 1810. Young Arlie Whitman finds herself thrust into a world of dangerous temptations and refined luxury when her dying father entrusts her to the care of Dominic Santrell, one of London's most notorious rakes. But it is not the temptations of high society that frighten the girl, but the passionate attraction that she experiences for Dominic. He is determined to marry off his ward, but Arlie resists with all her being. The frivolous but stern count himself vowed never to marry, because he considers love to be entertainment for the evening, nothing more. Why does the string of young people trailing after his pupil irritate him more and more? Arlie's innocent tenderness disturbs and deprives her of sleep. The spark that flared up between them turns into a flame of passion before our eyes. Desires torment both. Dangerous desires...