When Marcus Haverly's father and older brother unexpectedly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear—and more eyes suddenly turned toward his life than a secret agent for the Crown can afford. To thwart the plans of the rest of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries one of the Season's young debutantes. After all, a properly raised noblewoman is meek and mild. Sequestering Lady Charlotte in the country and getting on with his work as a spy should be easy. His new bride has other ideas. No shrinking violet, she's determined to take her place as his wife, front and center—no hiding in rustication. As a duchess, she can use her position to follow her call from God and help the lowest of society: the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. But these philanthropic, reforming endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered. Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?