A war took his leg and the future he expected. One invitation gave him reason to live again.

Captain Emmett Shaw, now Lord Shaw, returned from war a changed man, hiding away among his paints and the quiet comforts of his estate. When his aunt suggests a restorative stay at Eastbury Manor, Emmett agrees, never suspecting the invitation will alter the course of his life.

She planned her coming out to perfection. Fate had other ideas.

Lady Evelyn Wyndham has dreamed of her debut since she wore her hair in braids. Armed with a diary of gowns, coveted events to attend, and eligible suitors, she intends to make her entrance into society unforgettable. But when her father falls ill and her presence at home proves more hindrance than help, she is sent to her uncle’s estate—only to discover her most insufferable cousin by marriage is already in residence.

Resolved to leave the very next day, Evelyn instead finds herself agreeing to a most ridiculous arrangement.

A fake engagement.

To uncover who is trying to steal a valuable art shipment and sell off fake reproductions, Emmett and Evelyn must set their hatred aside, pose as a betrothed couple, and follow a trail of clues that only raises more questions. But pretending to be betrothed may prove far easier than admitting their sharpest battles as enemies have begun to look dangerously like love.