A Regency Romance Cinderella story where etiquette reigns, everyone lies, and love doesn't follow the rules.

Elizabeth Maddison loved Lord Stanton long before he made her the envy of the ton by dancing with her at her first ball. Reputation is everything, and with a drunken gambler for a father, her family has fallen from grace. Further betrayal sends her into hiding, leaving a match with Lord Stanton a distant dream. She knows the rich and powerful marquess is not for her. He would be laughed out of London, and she loves him too much to ever let that happen.

Damn the rules! Richard St. Keene, Marquess of Stanton, sees no reason not to associate with Lady Elizabeth and help her if he can. He is a gentleman, after all, and she is a lady in need of assistance. That is all there is to it... Except that he finds the intriguing woman unforgettable.

As a final insult, Elizabeth is accused of an unspeakable crime, which only serves to bolster her resolve. Will Stanton be able to save her from facing the hangman and convince her they belong together, or has she given up? Can a dream once denied become a dream allowed?

She fell long ago, but she is convinced it is a love not meant to be. He was waiting for lightning to strike. Of course there is love, denial of something does not make it non-existent, but there are rules. There are also lies, secrets, betrayals, hidden jewels and a delightful meddling duchess. Falling in love can be murder.