**Linnet loves her husband, but knows he will never love her back.** The Duke of Severn married Linnet for her fortune. While the sight of her handsome new husband takes her breath away, she reminds herself that it is an arranged marriage, without love. Severn is like a Greek god, and Linnet wishes she were even half as beautiful. Finding her husband more noble and wonderful than any other, Linnet can’t help but desire his love in return.
Growing up in luxury, Lucy never dreamed she’d become a street performer…or an earl’s mistress! Lucy was born into a high-class family, but her father’s gambling addiction brought the family to financial ruin before he disappeared. Now Lucy plays violin in London alleyways in order to put food on the table. One day a tall, handsome gentleman appears at Lucy’s home. He’s the Earl of Cambourne and, with a grim face, he informs Lucy that her father owes him an enormous amount of money. Lucy can no longer work because of an injury, so the earl suggests she become his mistress instead!