Chapter 1

Sir William Horton is Ashfern's resident Hero. He was the richest man in five counties and a well-known bastard. Rumors of every kind have been whispered about the infamous Black Knight, his all-encompassing cruelty, his frozen heart, and the twisted means by which he finds his pleasure. Every person in Ashfern knows to keep a wagging tongue still and eyes trained anywhere but on him should he come into view.

So when Nan Harris finds him on the beach and is neither distant, silent, nor fearful, he cannot help but wonder. How can a simple beggar girl treat him like any other man? Who is this woman that can hold his attention with only a few words, or more importantly, who was she before coming to Ashfern?