Adam Vickery, the Marquess of Tannerton, is crossing from Ireland to England when the ship encounters a gale of unimaginable strength. As he awaits his certain demise, Adam or Tanner, as his friends call him, realises that his life has been a meaningless one. Tanner observes the other passengers with interest; wondering what their lives have been like.

The woman with her hands tied and attended by a Bow Street Runner is of special interest. What has she done to be treated so harshly? What horrible crime did she commit?

When the call comes that sends them to the lifeboats, Adam insists that the women and children be given the opportunity to disembark first. The Runner forces his way on to the last lifeboat, abandoning his prisoner.

Tanner ties himself and the woman to the mast just before the ship hits the rocks.

First Tanner and Miss Brown find themselves in the company of the wreckers. Then as she begs his help to run away from the law, Tanner decides to escort her to safety.

As they elude their pursuers, Tanner and the lady known as the Vanishing Viscountess, wanted for the death of her husband, will develop an attraction. Tanner's near death experience convinces him that he must help save Marlena from a hanging.

Ms. Gaston has a way of painting a scene with her words--the description of the shipwreck leaves the reader with a vivid impression of the danger. She has way of grabbing your attention and making you feel the emotion of the characters.

Normally, angsty books aren't my style but this book was moving and I found myself cheering Marlena and Tanner as they evaded both the law and the villians who pursued them.