Against the scandal and seduction of Regency England, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh introduces an extraordinary family&#8212;the fiery, sensual Huxtables. Vanessa is the second daughter, proud and daring, a young widow who has her own reason for pursuing the most eligible bachelor in London. One that has nothing to do with love. Or does it?<b><br><br></b>The arrival of Elliott Wallace, the irresistibly eligible Viscount Lyngate, has thrown the country village of Throckbridge into a tizzy. Desperate to rescue her eldest sister from a loveless union, Vanessa Huxtable Dew offers herself instead. In need of a wife, Elliott takes the audacious widow up on her unconventional proposal while he pursues an urgent mission of his own. But a strange thing happens on the way to the wedding night. Two strangers with absolutely nothing in common can&#8217;t keep their hands off each other. Now, as intrigue swirls around a past secret&#8212;one with a stunning connection to the Huxtables&#8212;Elliott and Vanessa are uncovering the glorious pleasures of the marriage bed&#8230;and discovering that when it comes to wedded bliss, love can&#8217;t be far behind.