Charles Brumley and Leah Hastings were neighbors and best friends, passing many happy days racing through the rolling hills of Derbyshire--until Charles ruined it all and abandoned Lea for university. Six years later, Leah is looking forward to renewing her acquaintance at a ball with the handsome Mr. Wilkins when she sees Charles's handsome face through the crowd. Charles has loved Leah since he was fifteen years old, and as the pair tentatively renews their friendship, the spark between them is undeniable. But when a rival for Charles's attention approaches Leah and tells her to give up her association with Charles or a devastating secret about her family will be revealed, Leah must make a choice--the ruin of her family or the ruin of her heart.--