Much more than a childhood friend…can there be a second chance for Lady Charlotte and James? Lady Charlotte Tate has returned to the protection of her father’s roof after the death of her husband. Broken-hearted, she seeks to find a new beginning where it all began—Caldor House—the place where she first loved and lost. However, things aren’t as they used to be. When her former governess falls ill, and Charlotte decides to be her nurse, she is drawn into the secrets lurking in the shadows of the woman’s home, and the truth no one has dared tell her. James Watts no longer exists; at least that is how he wishes it. Scarred in the Napoleonic Wars, and having lost his only love, Charlotte, he has cloistered himself in the recesses of his family home. Hidden away from the stares and horror of his neighbors at his now marred features, he has chosen to live a life in secret. Until Charlotte’s return and the longing for more, that she elicits inside of him, threatens to derail his plans to remain hidden. Now they must face the scars of their past in order to have a future, but someone wants to keep them apart. Can this pair find love once more, or will they relive a past of love and loss?

Can Mary and William’s love bridge the gap between the aristocracy and a commoner? Mary Durand grew up deprived, and treated as less than a servant in the home of her aunt and uncle. Abused and mistreated, she never dreamed of anything more, she never believed there could be more for her, but after years of torment, she could no longer take the abuse and decided to escape. Three years later, she never dreamed that her life could transform. Her father’s invention has moved them from merchants to people of influence and affluence, and suddenly Mary has to maneuver in London high society. She never imagined that she would encounter a face from the past amidst the sea of socialites. William Pierce, 8th Earl of Cott, did not think that his attempt to get away from his father’s overbearing presence could land him in the company of a former acquaintance. However, when faced with the transformed Mary Durand, the sympathy he had for her changes to admiration, and eventually more. It would be perfect, if life was simple, but it isn’t. His father will never condone such an alliance. Can Mary and William endure and win, or will he find himself ousted from his family like his sister Charlotte before him? Can love overcome the differences in birth and rank, or are some divides too far to cross?

What do you do when everyone around you has what you want but can’t have? For Sophie Lefebvre, the answer was simple—accept the position as governess to the pompous Earl of Wycliff’s sister, Gertrude. Rude, arrogant and absorbed with his wealth, his presence is a hard task to endure, but far better than the pain of watching others have what she cannot. Claveston St. John, Earl of Wycliff, was smitten the moment he laid eyes on Lady Tate’s companion at the wedding of his good friend, William Pierce. When in jest he offered her a job as his sister’s governess, he never imagined she would accept. However, now that she has, he is determined to win her. However, that is easier said the done. How can he win a woman who cares nothing for his trappings? What else does he have to entice her to consider him a match? When Sophie’s employment and freedom are threatened, Claveston knows that he is the only one who can help her. Is there any hope for these opposites attracting or are their differences too great?

Ann Knorr is just a companion…will she become a spinster or find the love she is looking for? Ann Knorr is just a companion to Lady Spencer during her first London Season. She has the grace and skill to smooth over societal faux pas which unexpectedly becomes essential in managing Lady Spencer’s eccentricities. Where will she go after the London Season? Will she become a true spinster? Everton Cormick promised Claveston, Lady Gertrude’s brother, that he would look out for his sister during the Season, plus he tries to mind his younger brother as well. In doing so, he travels in the same circles as Ann Knorr, and they seem to connect on so many levels! As impressed as he is with Ann, he can’t contemplate marriage when he still lives in the past with his childhood sweetheart. Can he put the past aside and recognize the future stands in front of him?