Deception, passion, and love collide in this bewitching novel in New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypasâ wildly popular Hathaway series
Beatrix Hathaway would much rather spend time with her collection of rescued animals than flirting in a stuffy ballroom. If her unconventional behavior earns the mockery of handsome rakes like Captain Christopher Phelan, so be it. Sheâd rather stay true to herself, even if it means never finding love.
Christopherâs courtship of Beatrixâs friend, the vivacious but flighty Prudence Mercer, is interrupted when his regiment is sent to fight in the Crimea. After a particularly devastating battle, he writes a letter to Prudence, unaware that the spoiled beauty has decided she doesnât want to wait for him.
Since Prudence wonât reply to the world-weary soldier, Beatrix offers to write a letter for herâand she signs it as Pru. A lively, witty correspondence begins, and gradually turns into something deeper as they share the secrets of their hearts. To Beatrixâs despair, sheâs fallen for a man who thinks sheâs someone else, and sheâll never be able to reveal her deception.
Christopher, now a decorated hero, comes back to claim the woman he loves. Soon, however, he realizes Prudence is very different from her letters . . . and heâs bewildered by his inexplicable attraction to the eccentric Beatrix Hathaway . . .