A Knight's Duty, A Lover's Desire

Lady Joanna Finlay has always thought herself unworthy of attention. The people in her life have conspired to make her doubt herself as a person – and a desirable woman. Luke Hartsworth is a man on a mission. Sent by the king to Waltham Castle to ascertain Sir Humphrey’s allegiance, he intends to bring down the traitor he knows hides inside the castle.

Luke and Joanna meet when they are both captured one night in the forest. Joanna is fleeing an arranged marriage to a man who scares her, Luke is trying to enter the castle under the cover of darkness. Thrown into a prison together, the hapless pair manage to escape, only to be recaptured again moments later. Convinced his men caught them trysting together Joanna’s grandfather Sir Humphrey demands reparation and announces that they will be married before the week is out. At first Joanna is horrified. Surely such a union is doomed? But as they become more acquainted with each other she realises that this marriage might be the best thing that ever happened to her. Luke’s reasons for marrying her matter not, as long as he makes her feels valued.