Handsome, enigmatic, and deliciously dangerous, Barnaby Adair has made his name by solving crimes within the 'ton'. When Penelope Ashford appeals for his aid, he is moved by her plight - and captivated by her lush beauty. More than a pretty face in a satin gown, Penelope has devoted her will and intelligence to caring for London's orphans. But now her charges are disappearing. She turns to Adair for help, never dreaming she'll discover in him a man who matches her appetite for life and passion. As Barnaby and Penelope unravel the mystery of the missing children, they uncover a shocking trail that leads to the upper echelons of society, and a ruthless criminal who is ready to destroy all they hold dear, including their newfound understanding of the irresistible intrigues of the heart.