Having travelled the world as a child with her beloved father the Earl of Darrington, and lost her mother to a fever when she was fifteen, eighteen-year-old Ilita is utterly marooned and bereft now her father too is dead. Poverty-stricken and alone, her heart is gladdened when her Godmother invites her to her London home. But tragedy strikes yet again, when she too passes away, forcing Ilita to throw herself at her aunt's mercy. The Countess is, to Ilita's horror, bitter, resentful and jealous of Ilita's youth and beauty and ashamed to be associated with her, after her father's behaviour. Not only is she to be sent away to work as "reader" to the recently blinded Marchioness of Lyss – she is told in no uncertain terms that she is to go under the false name of Marsh and never to reveal her identity. To make matters worse, on arrival at Lyss, her employer's son, the Marquis of Lyss return home. Surly and sarcastic, from the outset he treats Ilita with disdain, accusing her of being a gold-digger, out to con his stepmother out of money by giving her false hope. If only she could explain who she really is! Little by little, though, Ilita's gentle, perceptive spirit, kindness and beauty begin to melt the Marquis's cold heart. Is it possible that their mutual suspicion is turning to love?
