Ivan Thornton, the gypsy Earl, gained his title only because his father had no legitimate heir. Bitter over the societal cruelties of his childhood, he takes his revenge on the hearts of young society women. As the London season begins, Ivan sees two women ripe for his deceit--until one of them, the spirited scholar Lucy Drysdale, captures his heart . And while trying to protect her young charge from the earl`s lecherous ways, Lucy finds herself in need of protection--from the feelings unleashed in her heart.