Can a scandalous betrothal between strangers become a love match? Marina Ashton, Lord Deveril's cherished niece, had gracefully entered society and thrived for a short time, despite the notorious circumstances surrounding her birth. Celebrated during her initial seasons, her fortunes reversed dramatically when she committed the ultimate societal transgression—abandoning her betrothed at the altar. Now, facing her third season with the only prospect one undesirable suitor, Mr. Nutter, on the horizon, Marina fears impending spinsterhood. Her desperation intensifies after a confrontational encounter with Miss Elizabeth Whitmore, a rival debutante who has tormented her throughout their social careers. Elizabeth maliciously challenges Marina to secure a husband before she does, by any means necessary. But Elizabeth is nothing if not crafty and sly and intends to ambush Marina with Mr. Nutter in tow, forcing her to reject him publicly, thus cementing her social ruin. Marina does the only thing she can—she hides. And inadvertently interrupts an unwanted and unintended tryst that the unwilling Earl of St. Aiden, Caleb Halliwell, has been trapped in by their very married hostess, Lady Crowden. The encounter is awkward but manageable—until Elizabeth barges in with Mr. Nutter. In a shocking twist, Lady Crowden accuses Caleb and Marina of being the illicit couple, thrusting them into a terrible scandal… and an unwanted betrothal. As Caleb and Marina reluctantly attempt to navigate their forced engagement, they find themselves ensnared in a disturbing series of events that suggest their lives are in grave danger. But who is behind these sinister acts? Is it Elizabeth Whitmore, driven by spiteful envy? Or Lady Crowden, who perhaps hasn't relinquished her claim on Caleb? Or could it be Mr. Nutter, whose dull exterior might conceal a more sinister nature? The truth must be uncovered before it's too late.