Araminta Penrose had grounds for holding the Duke of Avedon in dislike. His Grace's behavior with regard to his nephew's betrothal was more than unfair. He didn't care a jot if he destroyed the happiness of two people desperately in love. Avedon was aghast to discover that the beautiful heiress of his nephew Hal's fancy was in reality plain and poor, but with unexpected mettle. Clearly Hal was being petticoat-led and Avedon had every intention of knocking Miss Penrose's pretensions into horse nails. With daggers drawn and hearts beating with unaccustomed speed, their private war would prove most unsettling indeed.