PENNILESS, DISGRACED, AND WITH TWO SMALL NEPHEWS TO SUPPORT, SHE IS IN DIRE STRAITS INDEED.... But by pure luck and a dash of feminine wiles, Ruth Allington is able to put her generous artistic talent to work by restoring an ancient mural at the estate of Sir Brian Chandler. She forgets to mention, however, her young wards or her past riddled with debt and despair. Soon she finds herself in love with the very man circumstances required her to deceive. The master's arrogant son, Gordon Chandler, is impossible from the start--convinced Ruth is setting her cap for his father. Ruth could only imagine his pique if he knew she had smuggled two boys onto the property! But Sir Gordon has his own troubles in the form of the notorious League of Jewelled Men, dastardly conspirators determined to ruin his name and claim his estate. Now Gordon must turn for aid to a woman who has hidden everything from him--including her love....