When Nicholas Hendry returned safe from the Crusades, he vowed he would no longer woo every comely wench in the shire. But he hadn't counted on the fiery charms of the inkeeper's daughter, Beatrice Thibault. A young miss with no room in her life-or her heart-for him!

If Beatrice Thibault had her way, Nicholas Hendry would never learn of the son he had sired. Indeed, the man was more knave than knight in her eyes-no matter how winning his ways or warm his smile, she would never succumb to his charms.