For All Eternity

The Marquis of Stowe is on the verge of a dreadful scandal thatthreatens to ruin both him and the lovely, but married, Lady Burnham. Knowing that their secret is out and that her husband will beplotting revenge, the Marquis casts about desperately for a way toavoid the scandal, which he knows is inevitable despite the wealth and good looks that have made him a darling of the Beau Monde. Seeing a perfect solution, he decides to offer marriage to the Duke of Dawlish? s daughter and leaves for the country. Surely the Duke will be grateful for his daughter to make such a match? There is only oneproblem ? marrying the Duke? s daughter might provide a way out of hiscurrent dilemma, but having met her the Marquis is dismayed by herdullness. Horrified at the sacrifice he would have to make, hesuddenly realises that there is another way to put the cuckoldedhusband off the scent and preserve his freedom ? as long as he canfind a young woman happy to go along with his seemingly foolproofidea. Eager to renew his acquaintance with Ajanta Tiverton, thebeautiful daughter of a local Vicar, the Marquis hurtles to the Vicarage to tell her his plan and the role that only she can play. Certain that this will get him out of immediate danger and surethat he can offer an attractive financial incentive to help theimpoverished family, it seems that if their daring charade issuccessful everyone involved will benefit. All Ajanta has to do isplay her part and all will be well. Swept into a rich luxuriousworld they have never known before, the Marquis sets out to charm the Vicar and Ajanta? s sisters. Delighted by their new surroundings andexcited by the attention of the eloquent Marquis they cannot believethe happiness Ajanta has bought into their lives. But the Marquisis not the only one masking the truth ? Ajanta too has a family secret she would prefer not to share and, as the deception continues andfeelings run high, she cannot help but worry what will happen in thefinal Act of their play and where the curtain will fall.