Charles Jackson, Duke of Castleberry, has an agreement for the hand of Amelia. For years he's waited patiently for his moment to approach her- not just as her future husband but as a full grown man instead of the awkward and gangly boy she knows from their youth. But he isn't as concerned with impressing Amelia as much as he's concerned with getting rid of her closest friend. Hugh Garrison, Baron Endsleigh, has been in love with Amelia all his life but he's simply not good enough to take her hand from Charles. Even as children he attempted to come between them. Hugh believes he's the only man strong enough to accept her and her secrets without shame. Lady Amelia has been in want of Charles for most of her life but her feelings toward him make her nervous. Her secret, however, is one that keeps her at her father's estate as far from London as possible because the truth could destroy her in society. She's concerned that Charles will discover her failing and refuse her hand, destroying her future security because Hugh is simply not powerful enough to keep society at bay should she be discovered. >