Can the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society help a scarred war veteran rediscover his ability to love? Christopher Pennyston, the most beautiful boy at school, the most handsome man of the ton, returns from war horribly scarred by a sabre slash. Forcing himself to return to London to care for his injured batman, he is devastated by people cringing at the sight of his disfigurement. But his biggest shock comes when a beautiful volunteer nurse ignores his scar and ignites his heart. Ellen Aston, Lady Moreton, has devoted her life tending to others. After being told that her husband had been killed in the Napoleonic war, she turns her energy to caring for wounded soldiers. But despite her devotion to her injured wards, she yearns to find a way to break out of her humdrum life. The spark comes from an intriguing stranger, who lights the embers of her heart. The Ladies' Wagering Whist Society has to carefully play their hand, to help a woman eager to discover the world find love with a man who wants to hide from it.