Publisher's Synopsis
It is 1811. Emily is young, intelligent and indulged by a doting father. Due to unforeseen circumstances she is forced to become a companion to her spiteful aunt.
Meanwhile Simon, the penniless great grandson of a duke, travels to London looking for work and discovers a flair for puzzle-solving. It is not long before he is comfortably established--then one day he looks in to a pair of lovely, grey eyes... Unhappy in her uncle's house, Emily unwisely makes a decision that will change her life--and not for the better. Surprisingly, she finds a measure of happiness, but instinct tells her something is terribly wrong and she soon learns what little control she now has over her life. When Nettie, her lady's maid and friend, has to suddenly return to her family, Emily is afraid, and now alone. Or is she? Friends have discovered her plight and unbeknownst to her, steps have been taken to keep her safe. But will it be enough? As she becomes increasingly aware of the danger, in a time when a man was permitted by law to beat his wife, as long as the weapon was no thicker than his thumb, will Emily make the right decision to save both herself and the one she loves?
