<p> Shona Imrie should have agreed to Gordon MacDermond?s proposal of marriage seven years ago?before he went off to war and returned a national hero?but the proud Scottish lass would accept no man?s charity. The dashing soldier would never truly share her love and the passion that left her weak and breathless ? or so she believed?so instead she gave herself to another. Now she faces disgrace, poverty, and a life spent alone for her steadfast refusal to follow her heart. </p> <p> Honored with a baronetcy for his courage under fire, Gordon has everything he could ever want?except for the one thing he most fervently desires: the headstrong beauty he foolishly let slip through his fingers. Conquering Shona?s stubborn pride, however, will prove his most difficult battle?though it is the one for which he is most willing to risk his life, his heart, and his soul. </p>