Once the most charming rake in London, John Aubin lost everything when he overheard a powerful earl’s fraudulent dealings. Branded a liar and cast out of society, he now lives under an assumed name, working in the very orphanage the earl owns. But Aubin’s purpose isn’t charity—it’s revenge. Sober and focused for the first time in his life, he plans to expose the earl’s corruption and reclaim his good name. Nothing will stand in his way—until he meets her.

Marianne Edgewood is perfectly capable of running Brindale Castle, if only the task would be left to her. A centuries-old house of stone is solid, unchanging, whereas people are not to be relied upon. It matters little that a stranger inherited the castle. She must simply find a way to stay.

Kitty Stokes never imagined she’d be so weak as to sacrifice herself on the altar of family obligations, but when the only alternative to marriage with Lord Hayworth is to play nursemaid to her brother’s children, Kitty reluctantly agrees. On her wedding day, she’s certain she has made a grave error, but it’s too late to back out.

Selena Lockhart comes with neither dowry nor connections, and she knows better than to expect Society to give her a welcome—especially after her father gambled away his fortune, precipitating the family’s sudden fall from grace and Selena’s betrothed to break off their engagement. It therefore comes as no surprise that her new neighbor, Sir Lucius, treats her with disdain. Why should he look beyond appearances when her own promises so little?

Philip Townsend is too busy trying to render his estate profitable to worry about managing its rundown house or finding a woman suited to the role of his wife. His beautiful and competent neighbor Honoria would be the logical choice, were it not for the enmity between their fathers that makes such a thing impossible.