The seven members of the Bastion Club have served loyally in the
perilous service of the Crown. Now they've banded together to support
one another through their most dangerous mission of all: getting
married.
When Charles St. Austell returns home to claim his title as earl, and to
settle quickly on a suitable wife as well, he discovers that experience
has made him impatient of the young ladies who vie for his
attention--with the exception of Lady Penelope Selborne. Years ago,
Charles and Penelope's youthful ardor was consummated in an
unforgettable afternoon. Charles is still haunted by their interlude,
but Penny refuses to have anything more to do with him.
If controlling her heart was difficult before, resisting a stronger,
battle-hardened Charles is well nigh impossible, yet Penelope has vowed
she won't make the same mistake twice, nor will she marry without love.
But when a traitorous intrigue draws them together, then ultimately
threatens them both--will Penny discover she has a true protector in
Charles, her first and only love, who now vows to make her his own?