A Fragile Mask

Cold as ice or warm as honey? A snow maiden impervious to his charm.
Denzell Hawkeridge sees her from the window, beautiful and animated. When he meets mysterious Verena Chaceley, she is a polite statue. Provoked and intrigued, flirtatious Denzell sets out to prick the mask. And finds a hidden and poignant vulnerability.
Anxious for her abused mother's health, terrified the perpetrator will come after them, Verena struggles to stay aloof and heart-free. She dare not drop her guard. Yet is there disappointment when Denzell retires, defeated?
A chance encounter provides an unexpected key, reviving Denzell's affections. But can he coax Verena out of her ingrained fear of matrimony?