The heir presumptive to the Viscount Rathmoor, Dominick Manton once had his heart's desire within reach -- a bright future as a barrister and engagement to Jane Vernon, a wealthy baron's daughter. Then a shattering betrayal by his vindictive brother George snatched away Dom's inheritance and his hopes of offering Jane a secure future. Brokenhearted, and attempting to end their engagement without destroying Jane's reputation, Dom staged a betrayal of his own to convince her that he's not the husband-to-be that she thought. Now George is gone and the viscountcy restored to Dom, since his brother's widow, Nancy -- Jane's cousin and closest confidant -- never bore an heir. But when Nancy goes missing, a panicked Jane calls on her former fiancé to track down her cousin. Dom knows the mistakes of the past may be unforgiveable -- but now, entangled together in mystery and danger, will they rekindle a passionate longing that was never lost to begin with?