When the debauched Marquis of Sywell won Steepwood Abbey years ago at cards, it led to the death of the then Earl of Yardley. Now he's caused scandal again by marrying a girl out of his class—and young enough to be his granddaughter! After being married only a short time, the marchioness has disappeared, leaving no trace of her whereabouts. There is every expectation that yet more scandals will emerge, though no one yet knows just how shocking they will be.

THE STEEPWOOD SCANDAL: — A young woman disappears. — A husband is suspected of murder. — Stirring times for all the neighborhood—When the debauched Marquis of Sywell won Steepwood Abbey years ago at cards, it led to the death of the then Earl of Yardley. Now he's caused scandal again by marrying a girl out of his class—and young enough to be his granddaughter! After being married only a short time, the Marchioness has disappeared, leaving no trace of her whereabouts. There is every expectation that yet more scandals will emerge, though no one yet knows just how shocking they will be. The four villages surrounding the Steepwood Abbey estate are in turmoil, not only with the dire goings-on at the Abbey, but also with their own affairs. Each story in The Steepwood Scandal follows the mystery behind the disappearance of the young woman, and the individual romances of lovers connected in some way with the intrigue.

A young woman disappears. A husband is suspected of murder. Stirring times for all the neighborhood. In this quiet village neighboring Steepwood Abbey, India Rushford had a decision to make—consent to be Anthony, Lord Isham's reluctant bride or spend the rest of her days destitute. As their wedding neared, she saw the handsome lord's gentle nature, and a powerful attraction flared between them. But the path to wedded bliss had its obstacles, including a deadly threat that put both their lives in danger. Could India admit before it was too late that she loved Lord Isham?

A young woman disappears. A husband is suspected of murder. Stirring times for all the neighborhood. When Captain Lewis Brabant returned from the open sea, all thought he meant to choose a bride. As eligible females readied to meet the dashing Captain Brabant, one woman of modest means stood away from the crowd and let her friend have a go at the bachelor. In fact, Miss Caroline Whiston had no expectations, since she was a lady's companion. But no sooner had the two met than they felt a heady attraction, despite the odds. Would Captain Lewis defy convention and fall in love with this beguiling companion...?

A young woman disappears. A husband is suspected of murder. Stirring times for all the neighbourhood. The Steepwood Scandal. When Desiree Nash was propositioned by a handsome viscount, she was outraged. Sebastian Moore might be irresistible and intriguing, but no respectable lady would agree to such an offer! A year later, impossible circumstances forced Desiree to take him up on his scandalous proposition. However, Sebastian surprised everyone when he arranged for Desiree to have a chaperone with her. But when schemers disrupted their romance, Sebastian had to truly fight for Desiree and make an offer of the most permanent kind!

Lady Sophia Cleeve dazzled all that Season, but she declared she would not marry a pampered man. Instead, she wanted a worthy man—outside her privileged class! As shock rocked her entourage at this declaration, the sea-worn Duke of Sharnbrook, Benedict Risely, entered the scene and instantly fell for Sophia. To win her, Benedict decided to hide his wealth and take a job as Sophia's personal groom. Soon their interaction took a very personal turn. As their love blossomed, Ben feared Sophia's reaction when she learned he was as noble as she was...! A young woman disappears. A husband is suspected of murder. Stirring times for all the neighborhood. The Steepwood Scandal.

After a humiliating Season, Hester Perceval hid away and concentrated on stimulating her intellect—since her heart was broken! Indeed, Hester was a beautiful genius who cracked codes and solved puzzles, arousing the interest of a pen pal, "Zeno." When she discovered her enigmatic correspondent was Robert, Lord Dungarron—the man who had caused her shame during her Season—she took flight. But Robert found her and convinced Hester to help him uncover a devious plot. And as they toiled over codes and puzzles, they began to discover an overpowering love that defied all reason.

Two young women, up from Steepwood to London for the Season, immediately attract the attention of two highly eligible young men. Tall, dark and confident, Athene Filmer seizes the opportunity to act as companion to her small, blonde and decidedly timid friend when she is launched into the ton. Illegitimate, with no dowry, Athene sees this as her one chance to make a rich marriage. But troubles arise when both young women consider Adrian, Lord Kinloch, to be the ideal husband. It's more than obvious to Athene that his formidably brusque cousin, Nicholas Cameron, is disapproving of her - seeing her as an adventuress on the make - but since Nick has shown no signs of offering her marriage himself, she knows she should dismiss all thought of him! But Nick will not be ignored..

A young woman disappears. A husband is suspected of murder. Stirring times for all the neighborhood. Olivia Roade Burton has lived in obscurity in Steepwood since she brought disgrace on herself by jilting a man of high degree. Now she's grown restless and yearns for excitement. But will any man risk proposing to her? Scarred and disillusioned after his experiences in the Peninsular War, Captain Jack Denning believed he was too tainted to marry a decent girl. Caught in an innocent but compromising situation with Olivia, he's forced into a offer of marriage. One that Olivia accepts with no hesitation. Can she find true love and ease the secret sorrow that haunts Jack's eyes?

In a village near Steepwood Abbey, a captain—thought lost in the war—returns to his home. But things are not quite what they seem.... Captain Henry Colton is stunned to find his lost love living the quiet life of a widow—with a small daughter! Since they had parted in anger, how can he expect Annabel to let him back into her life? His only recourse seems to be to pose as her husband, miraculously returned alive from the war....