Tricked by a Duke

Twenty-five-year-old Lady Vanessa Templeton's life is ruled by her aunt and uncle, who took over title, house and estate following her father's death. With no intention of escaping to marriage, she avoids society as much as possible. Following a rare visit to London to see an elderly aunt, she encounters an illiterate, ex-seaman who looks suitable for the footman's position her aunt has been trying to fill, so she takes him home. Thereafter things begin to change and she wonders if there's more to the man than meets the eye, but she has no idea who he really is. For his part, Marcus Maitland, the new Duke of Balfour, has good reason to keep the truth from her as long as possible.