Anabell Belgrey, Countess of Clearshire, has spent most of her life being the unwanted burden of those closest to her. Unloved by her family and unwanted by her husband. The only reprieve she has ever found in her solitude is that she may do as she pleases with little to no notice from those same people. Until, one day, she is noticed by the very last man she had ever thought to hear from again: her husband. After twelve years with no word, no explanation for his absence, or any reassurance of his return. Lady Belgrey cannot fathom what has prompted his sudden resurfacing. But she is determined not to let the man sway her into whatever scheme has brought him back. There has never been any affection in their marriage, and she has worked too hard to let him run rampant over all she has accomplished. No, she must prove to the Earl that his presence is not only unnecessary at Blackstone but highly unwanted.