Mary Jo Putney explores a sensitive, challenging subject with grace and poignancy in this story of a young duke who is told he has a fatal illness and struggles to come to terms with his imminent death ... only to be surprised by love. Stephen Kenyon, Duke of Ashburton, vowing to live fully every moment of his remaining days, sets off alone across the countryside of Regency England, feeling wonderfully liberated from his ducal duties, when he becomes caught up with the traveling Fitzgerald Theater Troupe. Soon he"s treading the boards and falling in love with the acting family"s cheerful, down-to-earth adopted daughter Rosalind. How Stephen and Rosalind embrace their love under such sad circumstances heightens the passion and power of their romance, while Putney skillfully avoids becoming maudlin ... and dutifully provides the requisite happy ending. Rosalind"s matter-of-fact approach to life contrasts delightfully with her dramatic family"s emotional excesses, while her parents" loving marriage provides a fun secondary romance.