The Heart Queen

Neil Forbes had always known he was a bastard, but it wasn't until he'd asked for the hand of Janet Leslie that he was told his blood carried the taint of madness as well. The proud and passionate young man refuses to risk bringing a child into the world under such a shadow and swears never to wed, forsaking his pledge to the woman he loves without a word of explanation. Soon, out of duty, Janet agrees to an arranged marriage to another man, only to find herself enduring days and nights of terror. Even her abusive husband's death is no release, for Janet stands accused of his murder. Her only hope for justice is to seek the aid of her one-time love. It seems that the Fates that frowned on Janet have smiled upon Neil. Once the black sheep of the Braemoor clan, the deaths of the clan's two legitimate heirs have made Neil marquis, and given him the power to shield her while the truth of her husband's death is uncovered. But what will happen when Janet discovers the truth behind Neil's denial of their love?