Georgiana, the Marchioness of Ellesmere, refuses to acquiescence to her mother-in-law and leave Penrose, the family estate. The Dowager Marchioness questions the validity of Georgiana's marriage since her husband, Anthony, died on their wedding night. Georgiana declines to be examined by physicians to prove the marriage was consummated. She rejects the trappings of the title and instead works to improve Penrose. As the steward's daughter, she married Anthony not to gain wealth, but to save her childhood friend from the life of debauchery that he'd embraced.

After a 15-year absence, Quinn, the newly titled Marquis of Ellesmere, returns to Penrose to squash a scandal brewing since his cousin's death. After meeting with Georgiana, his childhood friend, Quinn realizes it's going to take all of the negotiating skills he learned as a diplomat to resolve the conflict. The difficulty increases as Quinn tries to suppress his feelings for Georgiana. Memories flood him of their childhood adventures, which ended prematurely when a serious accident permanently maimed Georgiana and ended Anthony and Quinn's friendship forever.

Surrounding herself with her friends from the Widow's Club does not protect Georgiana's heart from the love she feels for Quinn. Anthony was her friend, but Quinn was the love of her life. However, Quinn has never shown her anything but friendship. Misunderstandings and pride keep the truth hidden. A contrary old woman and a small child are the catalysts to open Quinn and Georgiana's hearts, but not before another innocent's heart is wounded.

Ms. Nash creates a charming romantic love story of childhood friends torn apart by tragedy and betrayal. The characters are believable as they struggle to trust their hearts and not settle for second best.

Book Summary

He had once been her cherished childhood companion, and then the man she lusted for in secret, but Georgiana Wilde hasn't seen recently widowed Quinn Fortesque since the day he married another woman and shattered her heart. Then fate intervenes and brings the man she dreams about each night back to her . . . .

Returning to the estate on family business, Quinn would like nothing more than to turn the land over to Georgiana and leave the memories of his former life behind. But then the brooding marquis finds himself under the spell of the beauty he once left behind. With her barely concealed passions, Georgiana melts his coolly guarded heart. Suddenly his well-ordered world is in danger of crashing down. And it all began with just one kiss . . . .