Can she be more than a mistress?With a tarnished reputation, Mercy Lyndhurst expected to become the Earl of Rochford's mistress, not his wife. Immediately abandoned by her husband after their wedding, Mercy transformed herself from commoner to countess, vowing to protect the lands and people her husband was forced to leave.Over the past six years, William has restored the family fortune all the while tortured by his memories of Mercy...and the dark night he killed a man. When a threat draws him home, William learns just how much has changed-including his wife. While the passion still flares between them, he fears he has wounded her too badly to regain her trust. But as the danger grows they must unite to save the estate...and possibly their marriage.