Ian Stanton, second son of the Earl of Rayne, has always done what was proper.  His one and only highly improper secret is his love for Nicholas Chatham, Lord Amherst, eldest son of the Marquess of Carleigh.  Five years ago, Ian and Nicky fully fulfilled their physical desire for one another, but the experience left Ian certain that it could never be repeated.  Now Ian has returned home, an ex-military captain who was badly wounded during the Peninsular War.  Forced to escort his sister to the Twelve Night gathering at Carleigh Castle, the last person Ian wants to encounter is Nicky.