Lily Balfour is twenty-four and determined never to marry. Her grandfather's recent passing was a blessing and a curse. He left her Balfour Manor, a large home in need of repair but it is all hers to do with what she wishes. Lily loves Balfour Manor and she is grateful to her grandfather for the home, but she realizes keeping it standing will require a large amount of money. But it's 1818 and Lily has no options but to find funds by making a good match on the marriage mart. Major Derek Knight is the second son and has just returned from a military tour in India, the land that claimed the life of Lily's father. Derek feels obligated to return to his men overseas, even though his family would love for him to remain nearby and begin his own family. Meeting at a garden party, thrown by the Lundys who Lily has chosen as her future-in-laws, Derek and Lily get intimately acquainted. Even though Derek takes many liberties, with Lily's encouragement, he does not learn her name but she is absolutely aware of his and his reputation. Derek is unintentionally distracted from finding the identity of his mystery paramour by Lily's almost intended, Edward Lundy. Edward is hoping Derek will help him find the person embezzling money from East India Company's profits, money Derek needs to send to his men. When Derek is properly introduced to Lily and he recognizes her, the relationships between the three become more intense and more entangled. Lily, Derek, and Edward all have secrets. As secrets are revealed, more secrets are kept. As more secrets are kept, more secrets are being revealed. Little do any of them know, the best kept secrets are the ones that will bring them all the most happiness and contentment in the end.

There are many twists and turns to the relationships between the three main characters. This is less about staying true to morals and values of the time and is more about the steamy romance building between Derek and Lily. Even better is the solution to the mystery of who is embezzling money and it plays a large part of how the story is drawn to a close. Another entertaining entry from an established author.