Lady Eadyth of Hawk's Lair had a son out of wedlock, but her reputation is the least of her worries. The boy's nasty father is now attempting to claim him, and Lady Eadyth's lands along with the child. Her only recourse is to find a man willing to stand as her husband as well as father to her son, but a wife's physical duty to her husband is something to be avoided at all cost. If she has her way there shall be no nasty copulation. When Eirick of Ravenshire mistakes her for an older woman she allows the misconception to stand, knowing it will help keep his prurient desires under control. The addition of her lands to his properties should and must be enough to seduce him into marriage, thus giving his protection to her sun.

Eirick of Ravenshire doesn't understand the odd behavior of his new ladywife. Yes, her lands are a welcome addition but the true reason he was at last eager to marry her was to strike a blow against Steven of Gravely, a mortal enemy and detestable man. Marrying Eadyth and naming her son as his will be a fine start on revenge.

In this reprint from 1995 Sandra Hill's trademark humor is alive and well. She uses language as well as medieval craftsmanship to plunge the reader into the past, while creating two main characters with strong and vibrant personalities that transcend time periods. THE TARNISHED LADY is a jolly good read.