A lady who longs to find her place A gentleman who guards his family’s secret Tricks and treachery…love and loyalty And finding a way to keep each other safe Ann Kane has always felt like a little girl lost. Her parents have been gone from her life since she was a child, and she was raised by her aunt and uncle as part of the Earl of Kanewood’s loving family. She strives to present the perfect picture of a society miss so as not to draw any undue attention. She wishes to be worthy of their love and support. Julian Napier, the Earl of Weston, is harboring a secret. His family is under threat of a scandal, and he will do anything to prevent its discovery. He is drawn to Ann, and suspects that her cool and perfect exterior hides a sharp mind and passionate heart. He pursues her, longing to be the man to reach through to the real woman inside. Ann can be herself with Julian, but believes he is not a man to marry. She learns that she is a wealthy heiress and fears that she is now destined to be courted by a man who will not offer marriage and besieged by gentlemen who will. For a price. Julian points out that he began his pursuit before knowing of her fortune, and she admits that she wants him to court her. When Ann’s estranged mother hears of her fortune, she plots to steal it from her. She will stop at nothing, including using Julian’s family secret as a bargaining chip. Will Julian keep his family and Ann’s heart safe? Or is she destined to remain a little girl lost?
