She wants security... Miss Elinor Bennett--an American transplant to England--is at her wit's end. Alone and abandoned following the deaths of her parents and brother in unrelated accidents, her only means of escape from sadness is spying on the new neighbor--and allowing her fingers to wander.

He wants respect... Geoffrey Ansley, bastard son of an earl, has just inherited real estate in Surrey. A solicitor by trade and half-American by birth, he hopes his past won't follow him. Discovering the pretty redhead next door shares his adopted country is a happy accident. And though he wishes to be left alone, he can't banish his neighbor from his mind--especially after he catches her in a secret passage just outside his bedroom one night.

Sometimes fate is a fickle mistress... When a Guy Fawkes prank threatens to expose Elinor's penchant for scandalous exploits and puts Geoffrey's much valued reputation into jeopardy, they will need to decide what's more important--staying one step ahead of the rumor mongers or falling in love no matter the cost.