Once an Innocent

Jordan Atherton, Viscount Freese, returned from the Peninsular War scarred and ready to live as a dissolute bachelor. Society knows nothing of his secret occupation or of the obligation binding him to Lintern Abbey, the estate he loathes. When his Foreign Office superiors discover a network of French agents near his country home, Jordan quickly devises a house party scheme to cover the influx of his men hunting the enemy. With no time to lose and political stability hanging in the balance, Jordan turns to his friend, the Duke of Monthwaite, for help. Would the duke be so kind as to loan Jordan some ladies to populate his party? When the women arrive at Lintern Abbey, it's the Duke's own sister, Naomi, who catches Jordan's eye. Despite her pleas to stay home, Naomi soon finds herself intrigued by the handsome and enigmatic viscount. But she quickly realizes this house party is not all it seems. The estate itself is neglected by its master, as is Jordan's ward, a mysterious Spanish orphan. When Naomi demands answers, Jordan distracts her by indulging their mutual attraction. With danger drawing closer, Naomi must uncover the truth and protect the home and people she's coming to love—including the maddening Lord Freese. Contains mature themes.