Desperation and poverty have driven Cassandra to London in search of a protector. With her tattered reputation preceding her, she's forced to crash a ball where she looks to seduce a wealthy man. The whispers follow her as they murmur the gossip: There is Lady Paget, who took an axe and killed her husband. Cassie hardens her heart with her social mask firmly in place; she picks the Earl of Merton. The angelic, young and handsome man does not stand a chance against Cassie.

Stephen Huxtable, the Earl of Merton, is blessed with good fortune; raised by his sisters in genteel poverty until he unexpectedly inherited a title. With his sunny disposition, Stephen is a popular bachelor, but he is in no hurry to marry. When a beautiful woman bumps into him at a ball, Stephen willingly falls into the web she weaves. The next morning, reality invades. Cassie turns their pleasant interlude into a business negotiation.

Cassie's mask slips a couple of times, allowing Stephen glimpses of her vulnerability. Darkness surrounds Cassie, and Stephen is unable to turn away from her. He promises to show her happiness and joy. Stephen does not intend to form any relationship except friendship with her. Young and innocent debutantes dominate his dreams, not a complicated woman loaded with excess baggage. His choice to befriend her leads him into unexpected love. However, Cassie's experience and loss of innocence makes her belief in unconditional love nonexistent. To shatter her distrust, Stephen must banish the darkness and show her love.

With brilliant precision, Ms. Balogh dissects the divergent path that befalls two people. She examines the cause and effect their choices make on their lives. Their hearts ache for Cassie in her misery and rejoice when she chooses love.