From BackCover:
HER GRACIOUS OFFER TO BE HIS MISTRESS HAD BEEN REFUSED! 'TWAS A PITY SHE FOUND THE GENTLEMAN SO VERY ATTRACTIVE....

Destitute and penniless, thanks to the evil machinations of her late husband's relatives, Frederica Barry put her wits and bravado to work to support herself and her rather unusual entourage of servants.

But a turn at the gaming tables put the merry widow a stone's throw from disgrace and debtors prison. Clearly, more profitable employment would have to be found. And Max Warfield, a distant cousin, could prove her ticket from the poorhouse.

Witnessing with astonishment some of Freddie's outrageous exploits, Max was determined to give her a strong hand at the reins. But as his mistress? Unthinkable! His goal was to preserve her reputation not destroy it. Though the beautiful Freddie made the offer so very tempting.... ( )