At her father's deathbed confession that the Duke of Billingham was responsible for her mother's suicide, Lillian swears to exact retribution for her mother's rape and eventual death. Lillian manipulates an invitation to the Bellingham's house party where she can obtain evidence to expose the late duke's true nature. Society reveres the previous duke as a saint for his sponsorship of reform laws and his high moral standards. Lillian plans to prove he was a hypocritical and amoral man. However, Lillian doesn't expect to discover the current duke is the exact opposite of his father. He is an honorable and decent man who wildly attracts her.

Simon, the Duke of Billingham, bows to his mother's wishes and hosts a house party to choose a bride. He pushes his mourning for his beloved father aside and prepares to entertain the debutantes. A totally inappropriate young woman catches his attention. She is the daughter of a younger son whose family is touched by scandal. Simon sees desire in her eyes battling with her obvious dislike in him. As Lillian attempts to fade into the shadows, Simon pursues her regardless of his mother's horror at her inappropriateness.

Lillian and Simon's attraction grows. Lillian panics as she battles with her conscious and questions how a man's family could not be aware of his true nature. If Lillian confesses her purpose what will she ultimately gain? Will justice be served if she destroys Simon's life and hers?

Ms. Petersen has Lillian on a quest for justice and when it becomes obtainable, the questions arises; does the collateral damage to the innocent justify the belated justice for her mother and can she live with the destruction the truth will cause? Grab your tissues as Lillian struggles for resolution to her thorny problem. Ms. Petersen then shocks readers with a surprise no one saw coming!