Description

Portia Heston is engaged by Lady Selby to prepare her daughter Emily for presentation. She is delighted when she is included in an invitation issued by the Dowager Duchess of Hamilton to spend the summer at Hamilton Hall. Lady Selby intends to promote a marriage between Emily and Elijah, the highly eligible duke.

Portia has a very different purpose in mind. Her half-brother Jeramiah is missing, last seen in the vicinity of the duke’s estate attempting to break up a criminal enterprise. Portia is determined to rescue the only relative she cares about from his own impetuosity.

When Elijah catches Portia eavesdropping on a conversation with one of his tenants his curiosity is aroused regarding this most unusual and opinionated paid companion. Together they delve into a murky world of dishonest financial gain possibly intended to fund a political uprising.

Can Elijah prevent the rebellion that will destroy his family’s name and chip away at the foundation of society? More to the point, can he keep Portia out of harm’s way? Will Portia find Jeramiah alive and what is she supposed to do about her growing admiration for the duke …