She must marry for her family?s future. He must never marry at all. Spring 1805. Nineteen-year-old Allegra Constantine is under pressure to choose a husband but none of her suitors inspire her. Lord Milton is respectable but passionless Sir Harry is charming but witless and the dangerously handsome Mr Englishby has designs she cannot trust. The only man who truly interests her is Max Severin - cynical scandal-shadowed and not at all a suitable prospect. But when a stolen kiss ignites a fire between them Allegra realises she is in more danger from her heart than from society?s gossip. Because Max carries a secret so perilous it could ruin them both. And when long-buried truths about Allegra?s family and Max?s past come to light the consequences threaten more than her reputation. Torn between duty and desire Allegra must choose: a safe sensible marriage? or risking scandal ruin and her very future for the only man she has ever truly loved.
