A woman forced to marry for her inheritance fears revealing her dark past to her prospective husband in this Regency romance. As a girl she had been bubbling over with mischief. As a woman she seemed half lost in shadow. But Richard Blakehurst couldn't miss the flash of connection between them when his hand touched hers. It was as if he had awakened something deep inside her. Seeing Richard again brought back the taunting memory of their dance at her coming-out ball. She must tame her wayward thoughts, because Thea doubted even her considerable fortune could buy Richard's good opinion of her if ever he learnt the truth. . . .