Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match. Instead she's hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fianc will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. One man can help her--Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan. Though a mistake drove them apart long ago, Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby--even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again . . .

Scarred in body and soul by war, Royal suddenly has a purpose--caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can't stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there's only one solution: marriage. And only one likely outcome: surrendering to the desire that's simmered between them for so long, no matter how dangerous it may be . . .

Praise for Vanessa Kelly's Improper Princesses series

"A thoroughly satisfying Regency romance." --Publishers Weekly

"An enjoyable, thoughtful romance." --Kirkus Reviews