When her mother died, Petra d'Averio's brother rejected her as a bastard that the family no longer had to tolerate. Penniless with pursuers on her heels, Petra heads to London to find her real father and request protection. Her mother swore that when the powerful English lord learned of Petra's existence, he would not desert her.

Petra cusses a blue streak as she hides from her virago employer. The swearing undermines her impersonation of a nun as a man overhears her colorful curses. Confessing to boredom, he offers transportation to London if she will entertain him with her story. Having fled Italy and now stuck in France with limited options, Petra readily accepts.

Robin Fitzvitry, the Earl of Huntersdown, travels incognito preferring to enjoy the sights as a mere "mister" and avoid aristocratic trappings. When he finds a beautiful Italian lady masquerading as a nun with mysterious villains after her, it promises to add much-needed excitement to his journey. Robin does need a new mistress and Petra would make a perfect one. Expecting to play at rescuing a damsel in distress, Robin undergoes a rapid transformation when he discovers the villains will murder anyone who gets in their way.

Disaster courts them at every turn as Petra and Robin flee from danger in the French countryside. Petra tries not to fall for Robin's legendary charm, knowing he will never want a woman with a scandalous background. Robin knows nothing permanent can take place between them, but never has a woman gotten under his skin as much as Petra.

Ms. Beverley reintroduces the unconventional Malloren family. With her superb storytelling, Ms. Beverley plays with the nursery rhyme Cock Robin and the Sparrow throughout the story in many imaginative and mischievous ways. Never dull, A LADY'S SECRET will delight readers as they follow Petra and Robin's exciting and dangerous adventure.