A Lady forced into marriage, a Duke with a dark reputation, an unseen enemy, lies, secrets and ‘helpful’ friends – can they find their way to love, despite it all? Lady Ariana Torryngton was forbidden the only man she had ever loved – and has resolved to stay a spinster. But her dictatorial father, driven by his own approaching death, has arranged a marriage for her – to a man with a terrifying reputation. A marriage which she cannot avoid. Benedict Blackshaw, the Duke of Darkmire, is plagued by the rumours of dark horrors of his ancestors – horrors which the common people believe he may well perpetuate. As a consequence, the young women of the ton have turned away from him. When the Earl of Hazelworth suggests a match with his daughter, Benedict agrees, hoping that marriage will change things in his life. From the moment of their first meeting, nothing goes as either might have wished, with the ghosts of the past filling their present with the misery of secrets and lies, and their marriage seems doomed before it has barely begun. Each turns to a friend for support and advice – but is that the best thing to do? When danger threatens from an unexpected quarter, will they realise the risk in time? Can they see past the terrible beginning to their life together, and discover love? Or will Ariana follow her first love to a terrible death before Benedict can save her?