If you allow your differences to hold you back, you'll never discover how wonderful your life can be. Honorable Dorothea Carrington is companion to the Dowager Duchess of Fairfield. Though she enjoys a good life and regularly travels the world at the dowager's whim, something is lacking. Born with a birth defect that makes her an easy target for ridicule and rejection, all she wants is acceptance and to be loved for herself. If the opportunity to marry comes about, she'd accept with alacrity, no questions asked. Major Anthony Jasper's world has been upended. Though retired from the military, the past won't stay buried. When his mistress leaves a six-year-old daughter in his care, he's at sixes and sevens. It was never in his plan to have children, for the world is a horrible place. As his wit's end is reached, he turns to the most unlikely source for help-his godmother, the Dowager Duchess of Fairfield. Thea's intrigued with the major, even more so when she discovers his daughter possesses a birthmark that sets her apart, but the dowager's not best pleased at the friendship that springs between her companion and godson. To Anthony's credit, he does everything in his power to ignore the pretty, blonde-haired lady who's fearful of being in society, but his godmother's demands on his time constantly puts him in Dorothea's company. It'll take some sneaky interference to see them make a go of a happily ever after, but it'll be worth the effort.