Inheriting the title from his murdered father, Alec finds just how dire things really are. His father's gambling obsession left the family with nothing but the entailed properties. The ton views him as a disgraced duke. Alec, now The Duke of Wexwood finds himself in need of a bride. One with a substantial dowry. It needn't be a love match as Alec doesn't believe love exists except in rare cases. He needs a woman who can help him rebuild the dukedom.

Margaret Douglas is an American recently arrived back in England. She has fulfilled her late father's wishes by returning with her mother. Now she needs to find a husband. One who won't squander her dowry, someone who'll see her as an equal. Introduced by her cousin, the Earl of Norwood, Margaret and Alec come to an agreement which quickly turns into a passionate romance. Lurking in the background are secrets—ones Margaret can't hide from the duke. Secrets she brought from America. What will happen when Alec finds out what she's hiding?