Civil war in a nation…and in a family!

Jack Dilhorne was in Washington, D.C., on business just as war was being declared between the North and South. It was not the best of times to meet someone as intriguing as Marietta Hope.

Marietta's reputation preceded her: Jack expected her to be an embittered old maid. He was delightfully surprised to find her a bright, witty and goodlooking woman. But as Jack and Marietta grew closer their love came under threat from war…and from an enemy much closer to home!

From shy girl to assured beauty

Gauche, unloved Lady Dinah Freville finds a champion in Cobie Grant. They share the taint of illegitimacy, which the rich and handsome Cobie has overcome. And he is equally determined to see Dinah blossom.

Tricking Dinah's feckless half-brother into allowing them to marry, Cobie then sends his wife to Paris to be groomed. The lady who returns is a beautiful, assured woman. But he's already made it clear to her that he'll never fall in love….

What was he keeping from her?

Cobie Grant made a quixotic marriage to save Lady Dinah Freville from her unkind relatives. Now he thinks he can enjoy the benefits of married life without involving his feelings. But somehow he's finding it harder and harder to hold Dinah at arm's length—especially since she has become a beautiful, assured woman.

Dinah, loving Cobie deeply, fully intends to do whatever is necessary to win his love. A task made even more difficult when she discovers he is leading a secret life…