A ship's captain. A crime. A secret. What would you do to claim the position in society that has been stolen from you?

The ancient Claverton earldom is no more, because Lady Catherine Claverton was born a girl. Banished to the countryside as a child and forgotten, she lives her life alone and angry. However, upon her father's death, she learns that she is the heir to her dead mother's family title--and if she wants to continue her mother's line, she must marry, bear a child, and take her place in society, all things that she has never dared to think possible. Should she marry the kind but secretive Captain Avebury? Or the notorious Sir Lyle, the handsome smuggler? Both men have secrets. Both men deal very differently with honor. And Catherine has a dreadful secret of her own.

The Portrait is about a strong woman, foolish decisions, trust, and the definition of honor. Fans of Jane Austen's independent women will recognize in Catherine a voice which will not be silenced.