Desperate to escape his mothers matchmaking Vincent Hunt Viscount Darleigh flees to a remote country village. But even there another marital trap is sprung. So when Miss Sophia Frys intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardians home Vincent is compelled to act. He may have been blinded in battle but he can see a solution to both their problems: marriage. At first quiet unassuming Sophia rejects Vincents proposal. But when such a gloriously handsome man persuades her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution she agrees. Her alternative is too dreadful to contemplate. But how can an all consuming fire burn from such a cold arrangement? As friendship and camaraderie lead to sweet seduction and erotic pleasure dare they believe a bargain born of desperation might lead them both to a love destined to be?