Cirrus@Austlit

'Sir Richard Harmsworth might be a darling of society, but nothing can erase the stain of his bastardy. Richard′s cool stare, indolent manner and insolent humor hide deep-seated feelings of unworthiness. He vowed young that nothing will pierce his elegant exterior to affect the man beneath, because the man beneath is capable of hurt and suffering. Safety lies in superficiality.'

'When Lord Packham rejects Richard as a suitor for his daughter, it′s the straw that breaks the camel′s back. After a lifetime of defying the world′s contempt, enough is enough. Richard vows to challenge his scandalous birth head on. There is a family legend that possession of a medieval relic, the Harmsworth Jewel, confirms the rightful heir. He will locate the jewel and brandish it under the noses of anyone reckless enough to question his right to the Harmsworth name.'

'Genevieve is a brilliant scholar who has led a secluded life, translating manuscripts, writing about medieval architecture and researching the authenticity of artifacts like the Harmsworth Jewel.'

'Against his better judgement, Richard falls under Genevieve′s spell. He′s never met a woman like her, clever, perceptive, kind, ardent, confident in her own opinions, uncaring of society′s shallow judgements. But can he reveal the real man under the façade he wears? ' (Publisher's blurb)