A Beauty and the Beast Tale set during America's Gilded Age She had heard the stories about the ruthless railway magnate. They said no one mourned his passing when he died in the fire at his country estate. They said his son roamed the magnificent ruins at night, mad as a March hare.Isabelle Tate didn't want to work for a madman. But she would do anything to help her younger sister escape their sordid existence. Their drunken father had already ruined her own chances for happiness. Her sister deserved better.Jonathan Nashe enjoyed a life of privilege until the fire that ravaged his body and left him scarcely recognizable as human. His wealth mattered little to him now. Money couldn't prevent the shocked stares of others or how they turned away in revulsion at the sight of him. It soon became obvious that the best solution was to avoid society altogether. He learned to pass the lonely days pursuing his medical research, which at least gave some meaning to his miserable life. But God had no mercy for such as he, since even this last remaining consolation was about to be taken from him. He was losing the use of his hand.He'd had no choice but to seek help. No choice but to sacrifice his privacy. Jonathan clenched his fists, steeling himself against her reaction, and turned to face his new secretary. "I may be a monster, Miss Tate, but I am not a beast." His mask had her trembling like a frightened rabbit. Yet what lay beneath was far worse. The sight of his face had already killed one young woman. Oh, he well understood Miss Tate's fear. If only she understood his. Because as disturbing as she found his gruesome appearance, he was far more terrified of her beauty.