Octavius Everard, the wealthy Duke of Eccess, indulges in London's most decadent offerings to escape the pain that haunts him-especially at Christmas. The richest food, the best cognac and the most beautiful women make the "happiest" time of the year a little more bearable. The one sin he has sworn to abstain from? Seducing his three wards' governess. But when Miss Temperance Fields applies for the position, with her tight chignon and no-nonsense brown woolen gown, he's never been so fascinated. Little does he know she has a scandalous secret?a false identity. Lady Agatha Temperance Hale is an heiress on the run! Threatened with forced marriage or the asylum, she is at the mercy of her gold-digging stepmother until she comes of age on Christmas Day. Being a governess gives her a place to hide. And Temperance is soon showing the duke the joys of the season and sharing her love of science with his wards. But she never imagined the pleasures her gorgeous employer could show her. And when the virgin governess becomes a seductress, the Duke of Eccess doesn't stand a chance of resisting?or guarding his heart. Their passion is electric. Their love is forbidden. But when the truth is revealed, can he forgive the woman he has come to adore more than any indulgence?