Lady Alexandra Lane was once the victim of the most disgusting crime a woman can endure, and now the very thought of intimacy with a man causes her pain and disgust. But circumstances are such that she will have to offer herself as a wife to a man with a reputation as the devil in the flesh. Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne, must marry, and as soon as possible. But it is not so easy for a man with a face disfigured by terrible scars and a reputation as a cruel monster generated by idle gossip to find a bride. And therefore Lady Alexandra’s daring proposal is accepted with delight. At first, love is not included in the plans of any of the “reluctant newlyweds,” but spiritual closeness, tenderness and understanding can heal even the deepest heart wounds...