Betrayed by his betrothed, Nathaniel de Wolfe soothes his wounded pride by embracing a rakish lifestyle. Then he finds out he's been named as heir to Allonby Chase, his great-aunt's estate in Cumberland. His aunt invites him to spend the summer with her, to familiarize himself with the running of the estate. With fond memories of a summer spent there as a child, he willingly accepts the invitation. Along with his faithful servant and his beloved dog, Nathaniel de Wolfe returns to the rugged northern lands of his ancestors. But Allonby Chase is not without its secrets. Something about his aunt's young companion, Hannah Sedgewick, seems familiar. Has he seen her before somewhere? Who is she, really? And why is she hiding away in a secluded part of England? When Nathaniel discovers the disgrace of Hannah's past, will it prevent him from pursuing his growing attraction to her? Can he ignore a scandal that knocked the ton off its axis several years before? As for Hannah, her fate will someday be at the mercy of Nathaniel de Wolfe. Dare she wait to see what her future at Allonby Chase holds? Or should she start searching for a new refuge without further delay?