Lissa Hazlett lives life in the shadows. The beautiful, illegitimate daughter of Viscount Partington earns her living as governess to the social-climbing Lamonts while her vain and spoiled half-sister, Araminta, enjoys London’s social whirl during her second season of husband-hunting.
When Lissa’s rare talent as a portraitist brings her unexpectedly into the bosom of society – and into the midst of a scandal involving Araminta and suspected English traitor Lord Debenham – she finds an unlikely ally: charming and besotted Ralph Tunley, Lord Debenham’s underpaid, enterprising secretary.
Ralph can’t afford to leave the employ of the villainous viscount much less keep a wife but as a member of the ton he can help Lissa navigate a perilous web of lies to ensure everyone gets what they deserve.
Find out who wins the day – and their man – in this battle of wits between beautiful, entitled Araminta and the clever and determined half-sister she is determined to subdue.