London,1866
Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether
that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of
London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work
with the Dread Penny Society.
Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by marrying her in
secret to protect her from her family, notorious grave robbers who were
intent on keeping her working in the trade.
But their unconventional relationship is nearly over before it begins
when, six months after they exchange vows, Gemma realizes her love for
Barnabus is unrequited. To protect her heart, she leaves, telling
Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grow beyond a sense
of duty.
When Gemma finally receives a letter from Barnabus, inviting her to
return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But she
quickly learns that he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who
have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money
and power.
Heartbroken once more, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that
she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her
again.
Yet as the couple follow the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to
the Mastiff, the leader of London's underground criminal network, Gemma
and Barnabus both realize they might make a better match than either of
them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life,
might prove the means of saving Barnabus--and his lonely heart--as well.
But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret
bride, they'll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever
closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.
