Marriage Most Scandalous

Sebastian Townshend, heir to the Earl of Edgewood, is disowned by his family after unintentionally killing his friend Giles in a duel. Horrified by the tragedy, Sebastian leaves England and becomes a mercenary on the continent, building a reputation as the notorious Raven.

Eleven years later, Lady Margaret Landor comes to Sebastian's castle in France. Ostensibly on a shopping trip, Margaret is really in search of her former neighbour who is needed back home. Having heard of the Raven's reputation, she plans to hire him, but Margaret is shocked when she meets the big, brooding, Raven: he is her former neighbour, Sebastian Townshend! Now she tells Sebastian his father has been involved in suspicious accidents, and that she believes the fateful duel was set-up by Sebastian's younger brother so as to inherit the earldom. But it is only when Margaret agrees to meet his outrageous monetary demands that Sebastian returns home.

In order to allow Sebastian to return, Margaret suggests he pose as her husband. Bitter Sebastian and bright Margaret clash at every turn, but they can't deny the attraction between them. And when Sebastian learns she can not pay him his ridiculous fee, he suggests a trade of a more intimate kind...