When the unexpected death of her much older husband, frees Madeline Galleron from a seemingly inescapable nightmare, she decides, as a way to regain her self-respect, that a little retribution is in order. Working for Lucas Withers, Wolfstan Colleville, the Viscount Carnforth, finds himself assigned to a curious case of blackmail. One which involves, of all things, a dead rose, a poem and, at least, two victims. Wolfstan's investigation leads him to an unlikely culprit and, as an entirely new plan is concocted, emotions believed forever vanquished are kindled. A spirited woman, Madeline refuses to let her past dictate her future... to conquer her torment and take a chance on love, is a whole other matter. Dare she trust Wolfstan to be an honourable man with no ulterior motive? he be her knight in shining armour? Can she open her heart, or will it remain forever shrouded?