After five years on the Marriage Mart, Miss Aquilla Knox is ready for spinsterhood until a benefactress steps in to help her secure a husband. Only Aquilla doesnβt actually want to marryβher failure is entirely on purpose. When the earl sheβs nicknamed the Duke of Deception sets his sights on her, she refuses to be drawn in by her attraction to him. If thereβs one thing she knows itβs that a gentleman is never what he seems.
Edward Bishop, Earl of Sutton, has a reputation for courting young misses and dropping them without a second thought. This has earned him a reputation for deceit, a description he canβt refute because he does in fact, harbor secrets and will do anythingβdeceive anyoneβto ensure they donβt come to light. As he comes to know the charming Miss Knox, his resolve is tested. However, trust comes at a price and Ned wonβt pay with his heart.