Widowed on her wedding day, Eleanor Peyton, has no intention of losing her independence by remarrying, and love isn’t even a consideration. William Rudhale has no problem getting any woman he chooses and has recently become steward to Eleanor's father. When Eleanor returns to her childhood home, the beautiful yet spiky woman fascinates William. When he wagers he can win a kiss by Midwinter’s night, whose heart is at more at stake, and what will happen if Eleanor discovers the truth behind his interest?