A country maiden-a worldly man-an undeniable love A determined man on a singular path, Harry Bryce is not pleased when the Crown awards him a title, nor is he gratified to learn of an unexpected inheritance in Cornwall. Even less welcome is the mandatory sabbatical from his position at the War Office, just when England needs every man in the fight against Napoleon's subversive agents. Chafing at the unwanted holiday, Harry uses the time to inspect his new property, only to be entangled in the affairs of a young Cornish woman whose family and home are threatened with destruction. Compelled by his compassionate nature to assist her, he is caught in a complex situation that thoroughly disrupts his carefully ordered life. In contending with repeated attempts on her brother's life, an uncle unashamedly stripping the estate of income, and a greedy earl who is desperate to mine copper on her land, Kerra Trevaine needs all the strength and fortitude she possesses. But the arrival of the mysterious Mr. Bryce is perhaps the greatest danger she faces. For while he stands firmly against Kerra's enemies, the dangerously attractive gentleman threatens to win Kerra's heart-and that may be the most challenging test of all.