One spectacular Christmas, Miss Perdita 'Poppy' Selby met the man she thought she would love forever. The devilishly attractive Duke of Fletcher was everything a convent-educated girl wished for in a suitor, and their wedding day was perfect. Unfortunately, no one had quite prepared Poppy for what would happen next.

Four years later, Poppy and the duke have become the toast of London society, but behind closed doors the spark of their love affair has burned out. Fortunately, Poppy has a friend in Jemma, the Duchess of Beaumont. Jemma, who is toying with another man herself, reveals to Poppy a world of strategy and desire that will change Poppy's whole outlook on love forever.