Popularly known throughout England as "The Bloody Duke," Lord Nicholas Rosemont, Duke of Candlewood is not a spy. No matter what anyone thinks. He is simply extremely observant, a talent he has put to good use over the years - both to his benefit and his country's. Lady Eliza Deaver, daughter of the Marquess of Framingham, has known Lord Candlewood for years, even though few in society realize their unlikely connection. Eliza's brother Stephen was one of Nicholas' best friends. That was, until Stephen walked away from his duties and his family to join the army and never returned, dying at sea and plunging the entire family into deep mourning. Now a man has appeared claiming to be Stephen, but is he really? Neither Eliza nor Nicholas think so, but then, after so many years away, who can say for certain? Still, bringing this man back into the Framingham family is a risk, one Eliza is not willing to take without some little bit of confirmation that the man is really her brother. Can Nicholas, who has always felt responsible for both Stephen's departure and Eliza's well-being, use his vast resources to determine if this man really is his long-lost friend? More importantly, can he resist the sweet charms of the suddenly very delectable Lady Eliza? Or will she manage to do the one thing no other woman has - seduce the Bloody Duke into marriage?