The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Tess Thornhill devoted her life to the orphans of London's slums- many of whom were the by-blows of society's rakes and their conquests. Considered an old maid at five- and-twenty, she had no use for the ton-except for their donations. So when the Viscount Sanderfield b her landlord-and doubled her rent-Tess readied herself for battle. New to the title, Justin was unaware of the gaffe his man-of-affairs had committed. But he was blindingly aware of the beautiful lady who confronted him. Caught off guard by Justin's shy demeanour and disarming charm, Tess felt the stirrings of passion for the first time. Yet the world of the future duke seemed to hold no place for Tess and her innocent young charges... unless Justin found them a new home-deep inside his heart....