Hope, the one thing that lets us go on when there is nothing else.
Imagine having everything you want in life except someone, anyone to love you. The Duke learned he would never be loved.
Imagine instead, having a father that loved you and taught you that anything is possible if you believe it enough; only to have him repudiate you, accusing you of heresy and nearly causing your death. Minnie learned she couldn't trust love, it would always betray her.
The Duke and Minnie meet by accident; each were hiding from others for different reasons and each saw something in the other he or she needed. Thus it began and continued until love won through.
I can't wait to read more from this author and this series.