By station, they're worlds apart, but living under the same roof brings their hearts dangerously close

William Yorke faces a tall order: convince people he is worthy of the Dukedom of Rockwood that has unexpectedly fallen to him. Returning from London to his enormous estate, he breaks his journey at an inn and finds himself witness to a drunkard selling his wife to the highest bidder.

William outbids the coarse competition and offers the woman a position as housemaid at his estate, uncomfortably aware that his impulsive chivalry will lead to talk—something he abhors.

Life has brought Clara Quinn very low indeed. Once an esteemed lady's maid dismissed on false charges, her marriage of desperation lasts just long enough for her husband to sell her for gambling money.

Clara is thrust into the heart of the Duke of Rockwood's household, but the duke himself keeps his distance to quell the rumors. She is determined to leave rather than complicate his life—until she stumbles upon one of the duke's greatest secrets.