'Surely the chief cause of our ruin was Viscount Marlbrooke himself? And now you wish me to marry into the family?' The scandalous, sexual games at the Restoration Court of King Charles, have turned Marcus, Viscount Marlbrooke, into a cynic. It is not love that lies within matrimony but the victory of a bitter inheritance feud, securing his rightful claim to Winteringham Priory. Katherine Harley is an innocent pawn, raised a puritan she may be naive to the ways of the court, but not to the price placed on her hand in marriage. In the many machinations to secure Winteringham one thing has been overlooked...For plainness can hide a spirited soul and behind Katherine's solemn exterior lies a woman of unexpected passion - prepared to fight for her freedom. 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' SUNDAY EXPRESS.