A bluestocking.
Miss Verity Worth lived a life of privilege. Then her family fell on hard times. She takes a genteel position to manage a spoiled heiress.
A cynical lord.
Needing an heir and a spare, Lord Rathbone comes to court the heiress. He finds the paid companion far more interesting.
He's a rogue to set Miss Worth up as his flirt. Lord Rathbone knows all too well how to turn a woman's head and win her heart. The rakish buck's attentions have the inevitable consequences. Verity believes the disgrace of losing her reputation is the worst that can befall her.
But then, Lord Rathbone's enemies target her in a game of hatred and revenge.