Sebastian Montgomery never thought he'd inherit a title. Quite comfortable in his role as the family black sheep, he has made a life for himself as one of England's most valuable agents against Napoleon. Now he will be expected to remain at home as the Earl of Lisle, fulfilling all manner of domestic duties... starting with finding a wife and ensuring the continuance of the family line. Kitty Bennet met Seb when he was just Mr. Montgomery and quickly developed a crush on him-feelings she now assumes will remain unrequited, as an earl is out of her reach. Sebastian however has no interest in a grand alliance. If he must marry, he will choose a wife with the capacity for intelligent conversation. Kitty's gift for witty banter draws him to her; any affection he feels for her is simply an added bonus. But their potential happiness is threatened by someone they don't even know: the man who killed Sebastian's grandfather and uncle. When the danger becomes real, Sebastian realizes that, almost against his will, he has fallen in love with Kitty. Can he solve a decades old family mystery in time to keep her safe?