Elliot Ware, Earl of Castleton, is hunting down a traitor. The money trail leads to Carlisle's Bank in London, but before he can set foot in the place he's obliged to rescue a lady from being trampled to death by a runaway hackney. The lady turns out to have a connection to the bank but not only does she deny that anyone at Carlisle's is in league with a traitor, she's reluctant to believe Elliot's assertion that the incident with the hackney was no accident. There's only one thing to be done. Put her under his protection whether she wants to be there or not. The last thing Verity wants is a man in her life. Particularly one as dangerous, dictatorial and ruthless as the Earl of Castleton. For one thing he'll probably go into orbit when he learns about the enquiries she carries out on behalf of ladies anticipating a marriage proposal. For another she's wealthy, independent, and doesn't have to answer to anyone. Why would she give that up? Even if Castleton did save her life. On the other hand, there's a distressingly long list of people who would be glad to see her take up permanent residence in a tomb. If she refuses Castleton's offer of protection, she might not have a life at all.