It was planned decades before his birth, and neither his knowledge nor agreement were required. It was just another aspect of his legacy as the ninth Duke of Ashfield, John Mason, could deny the claim. He could ignore the summons. He could refuse to abide by the contract. A bond forged on the moors of Scotland as recompense for a life saved, his life was given. By refuting, he risked not only his honor, but the word and honor of his late father, and this he could not allow. Thus, their fathers maneuvers afforded the duke an unwanted bride. Past slights garnered an unknown enemy. And schemes conceived before his time gained him an unforeseen adversary. Come with Lord Ashfield as he travels the grandeur and opulence of the London ballrooms, the lush foliage and vastness of the Scotland hills, and the seclusion and comfort of the English countryside. Read in anticipation as John Mason, the duke, faces intrigue and suspense trying to decipher his enemies, terror as loved ones come under danger, pitfalls as mistakes are made, and a timeless love reached as he finally accepts his fate, decreed beforehand, as the promised duke.