Queen Victoria dubs Lady Portia Ellerslie, widow of a famous hero, as a woman other widows should emulate with her impeccable behavior. Portia accepts Victoria's edict knowing that it makes remarriage impossible. She's Victoria's symbol of a perpetual widow and is held on a pedestal for the masses. At 27, Portia misses the kisses and passion she enjoyed with her late husband. She decides that for one night she will ignore the rules and go incognito to the famous courtesan Aphrodite and engage in a night of sensual delights.

After leaving the Hussars, Marcus Worthorne spends his time sampling the delightful women who throw themselves at his feet. He ignores his brother's request to settle down, preferring to enjoy life as it comes. After a sensual night with a woman at the Aphrodite Club, Marcus wants to repeat the experience. The mysterious woman refuses to give her name and declines to see Marcus again. Unfamiliar with refusals, Marcus views the mysterious lady as a challenge.

Marcus finally discovers Portia's identity and convinces her to continue their affair. Conflicting emotions surround Portia, and Marcus finds she fills his restless soul and heart. Before a solution is reached, Portia is betrayed with disastrous results.

Ms. Bennett gives an original twist in her tale with Portia as Queen Victoria's confidant. As Victoria demands strict morality in society, she makes Portia the symbol of perfection for widows, limiting Portia's options and giving her quite the dilemma.