Abstract: When Marcus Rothwell, Earl of Broadstairs, is forced to spend the night alone with Harriet Aston he willingly does the honourable thing. In this marriage of convenience, Harriet determines to engage Marc's affections. However, she is brutally attacked, and whilst suspicion falls upon the dowager countess, who disapproves of Harriet, there's the village beadle's unaccountable behaviour to be considered, as well as Marc's Machiavellian steward. Wanting to protect Harriet, Marc delves into the mystery surrounding her attack. Now he must examine his feelings for the woman he married on a whim. But he too is in mortal danger...