I was slow getting into the story as the beginning framework seemed a little tired. A child bride (14 years old) is married to a drunken younger son she meets at the altar for the first time. Both bride and groom are coerced as the result of a gambling wager by their respective dissolute fathers. The groom walks away from the altar, buys an army commission, and takes off for India.

Fast forward ten years: Aurora has managed to build a life for herself and has dealt with some of the pain of rejection by both father and husband by taking her maternal grandmother's family name, creating an investigation service for distressed females, and making a home for herself and her loyal companion. Major Alex Fenimore is given one last assignment before selling his commission and assuming his responsibilities as Earl of Woodbridge after the unexpected deaths of both of his elder brothers. These orders lead to his unexpected encounter with his wife.

Both protagonists are incognito, and neither recognizes the other. They have an opportunity to build emotional bonds, and generate sexual energy during the week they are holed up together as a result of Fenimore's investigation, which has turned dangerous. This is the place where the story comes together and takes off. I wondered how the author would reveal them to one another and what steps Alex would take to redeem himself in his own eyes and in hers. I did not predict how she would handle the situation, and thought the way it unfolded was plausible and true to the characters. I really liked the tender, sensitive way Ms. Pickens wrapped up the end of the story. This is a library book, which I am likely to read again. ( )