He’s a soldier who despises women; she’s a woman who despises soldiers. Of course they’re mad for each other. Scarred in a duel over a feckless woman, Gavin Lawrence leaves America to take up his new duty as Marquess of Effingham, vowing never to care about others again. But lurking in the secret passages of his crumbling manor house is a courageous and exceedingly annoying young woman in terrible danger. The self-sufficient daughter of a soldier, Dillian Whitnell guards her injured cousin in isolated Arinmede manor after an attempt on both their lives. Dillian hadn’t expected the new marquess to notice her, but his stubborn refusal to believe she’s a ghost turns into a hide-and-seek game that leads to increasingly close encounters. A game where irritation turns to intrigue, and intrigue to a forbidden passion as the real villain emerges from the past. REVIEWS “...a rousing good tale that is alternately merry, mischievous” Ann McGuire, Romance Reader “This fast-paced, witty novel will definitely delight on a cold winter’s night.” Margaret Devilbiss, Gothic Journal “Ms. Rice brings two marvelous characters together. With her mastery of subtle humor, The Marquess will please the taste of the most discriminating readers.” Joan Hammond, Romantic Times