Book excerpt: In Cynthia Clement's captivating tale of cat and mouse, England's high society is confined to a country estate where passionate pursuits become the order of the day. . .. Widowed Sarah Wellsley delights in her daily swim--until she is discovered by an imposing stranger who mistakes her for a harlot. Having escaped the cad's embrace, she's mortified to meet him again mere hours later, and shocked to discover he is the long-absent Marquess of Caldern. . .and her cousin Caroline's intended. But now he only has eyes for Sarah, and will pursue her at any cost. The situation couldn't be more awkward--particularly because she cannot erase the memory of Alex Caldern's touch. . . Alex long ago abandoned dreams of love. His marriage will be a business arrangement to produce an heir. On the eve of his proposal, however, he is seized by a passion he cannot ignore: the need to possess Lady Caroline's quiet cousin. By turns wanton and demure, Sarah confounds his every instinct and thwarts even his most ingenious attempts to have her. Yet she is by his side, unbidden, especially when he is in danger. As the attempts on Caldern's life multiply, Sarah's deepest feelings slowly make themselves known. And when Alex finally realizes what she wants, he's more than prepared to satisfy her. . .