He thought his troubles were behind him.

With an estate in his name?albeit won in a rather unfortunate card game?Lucas Bywood has thrown himself into restoring it to some semblance of respectability. But his hard-earned peace is shattered by the unexpected arrival of his younger sister, Philippa, who declares her engagement over and insists on staying with him to recover. With Pearsend barely livable, Lucas is less than pleased. Should he arrange a reconciliation between her and the jilted man who has followed her to the neighborhood or simply let matters run their course?

As if that weren't enough, rumors have begun to circulate that a previous owner of Pearsend left treasure hidden somewhere on the property. When trespassers take the tale too seriously, turning nuisance into real danger, Lucas is left with little choice but to uncover the truth before someone is hurt?or worse.