Sir Hugh Dryden undertook his quest for a bride with a guarded heart. But two years of captivity had deadened his desire for any woman. So why, then, did the sight of a mere country girl in distress stir such tenderness in him? And why did simply carrying her from danger set his pulse pounding?

Margo Maguire lives in the Detroit area with her husband and three children, and a variety of spoiled pets. She has been a critical care nurse for years, but recently turned to writing full time - that is, when she's not immersed in her kids' school activities or sporting events. You can e-mail her at margomaguire@yahoo.com.