Of Moths and Butterflies by V.R. Christensen

Imogen Everard has lived much of her life under the care of her uncle, an abusive money lender. His death may mean her freedom from him and the taint associated with the name they share. But her uncle, in his final act, does the unimaginable and leaves her with the burden of his estate and a large fortune, subjecting her to the vultures who will descend, and to the speculations of a gossip-hungry society.

In order to escape the avaricious designs of her family and those who would use her, she runs away, seeking refuge in a small, out-of-the-way village in Kent. Here, as a maid in a large country house, she gets her first taste of independence, a glimpse of that happiness she has so long yearned for.

But when she is discovered, she is returned to her family and to the care of her aunts who assume guardianship over her. In an effort to get at her money before she should come of age, her marriage is arranged to a collector of rare and beautiful insects.

One man is about to make the acquisition of a lifetime. But can a woman captured and acquired learn to love the man who has bought her? To do so, she must find the courage to trust him. But more than that, she must find the courage to love herself.

Disclaimer: This book addresses the repercussions of, and the ultimate transcendence over, sexual abuse and rape. While not graphic in nature, the subject matter may be triggering for some.