Can a forbidden romance be right even when the brain?and society?scream disaster?

Montague Elias?Grey?Mountjoy?9th Earl of Greystone?is a man who values order and calm over everything else. Now that he's home from the war, he sets his mind to the responsibilities of his title, for that has always been his lot in life; there is no other option. It doesn't matter that he has no feelings, romantic or otherwise, for his fiancée?the match was arranged when he was a youth.

Miss Victoria Amherst?or rather Tori to her friends?isn't what society would call a suitable lady. Her father is a baron, and a jeweler of some renowned skill, but the family is barely clinging to the beau monde regardless, for that skill doesn't extend to his love of the wagering tables. Since Tori is his secretary?both socially and professionally?she accepts a few invitations because she's tired of watching life pass her by. It's time to hunt for a husband.

When Tori wanders off at a rout, she finds a stunning diamond necklace in her host's study that she recognizes. Knowing it's been stolen, she enlists the help of the first man she sees?the Earl of Greystone?who could be right for her... if he were free. Before he knows what's happening, the unorthodox woman has embroiled him into what will surely be the on-dit of the Season, but he's intrigued despite himself. She might not be in his usual style and quite forbidden, and he might not be spontaneous, yet perhaps none of it matters... until the ensuing scandal takes on a life of its own.