RITA Award–Winning Author: A widowed countess has a second chance at love—but first a scandalous accusation must be dealt with . . . Years ago, penniless Lorene Summerfield wed for duty, giving her siblings the chance to marry for love. But now the generous-hearted countess finds herself widowed . . . and the man she's loved in silence for years is falsely accused of her husband's murder! Although he closed his heart to love long ago, the Earl of Penford has always found Lorene irresistible. Their newly ignited passion may be scandalous, but now he'll stop at nothing to clear his name and win Lorene's hand . . .