Wit, Wiles, and Courtship

He is admired by all. She is determined to be admired by none. They are locked in a game where every move risks the heart.

Clever rather than charming, Lady Camilla Rowlandson hides her insecurities beneath a forthright tongue and cool wit. When the one man she likes above all others takes notice of her, Camilla resolves to keep him at arm’s length. She knows all too well that Lord Pembroke’s admiration is dangerous, for it tempts her to hope.

Accustomed to easy smiles and determined flirtation, Lord Robert Pembroke is intrigued when Lady Camilla proves immune to his charm. Instead, her quiet sarcasm and intelligence unsettles him, and her indifference piques his vanity. Polite interest quickly becomes fascination, and soon he is bent on uncovering what she most wishes to conceal.

In the London season, the drawing-room becomes their chessboard, Society their eager audience, and pride their most treacherous opponent. Lady Camilla must decide whether her wit is a shield or a prison, and Pembroke must discover whether his heart can withstand a love that does not flatter, but challenges.