A BASTARD DAUGHTER Sarah MacKenzie believed herself to be the love child of Lachlan MacKenzie, duke of Ross. But the discovery that no noble blood ran in her veins left her devastated, and unable to trust MacKenzie's love. Sarah fled the Highlands for Edinburgh, and opened her heart to the city's orphans ... to bury her pain and begin a new life. A FORGOTTEN SECOND SON Estranged from his mother, whose affections centered around her eldest son, handsome Michael Elliot joined the East India Company. But years later a family crisis drew him home, to aid in his mother's scheme to seduce Sarah —- and her generous dowry —- into the impoverished Elliot family. DECEPTION —- AND DESIRE —- UNITED THEM Bound by his sense of honor, Michael set out to win Sarah's heart. Sarah, far from the family that loved her, slowly surrendered to his charms. Though ill-fated at the start, their alliance blossomed into a passionate union ... and together they began to unveil the healing power of love ...