After one daring act, two worlds collide...

Duty has always been Estelle Travis's byword, but every woman has her limits, even a recently widowed one with few prospects. Her father's calculating plan to force her into another unsuitable marriage is the final straw. In an act of rebellion, she takes up a position as companion to Lady Crawley but soon realizes she may have exchanged one peril for another, in the guise of Alexander, Viscount Crawley.

Alex is beguiled by the aura of mystery that surrounds his mother's beautiful companion. Her air of vulnerability brings out his protective instincts in spades. He discovers her well-hidden reckless streak when her sister goes missing and, rather than do what's expected and return to her father's austere household, Estelle embarks on her own search for her sibling.

Amid a thickening cloud of suspicion and whispers of murder, what choice does a gentleman of honour have other than to offer his assistance? Can Alex put aside his growing attraction to his lovely companion, or will he risk exposing himself to dangers that have little to do with her sister's plight...