A reputation to reclaim, a matchmaking mother to thwart, and a most inadvisable arrangement.



Nell Prescott brings the whiff of scandal wherever she goes. Surrounded by proper ladies and gentlemen ready to be matched, she has a different object at the Countess of Dalmeer’s grand house party: to prove herself a model of propriety worthy of a better reputation.



When an unwanted admirer proves difficult to discourage, however, she finds herself in need of an ally.



Archibald Thorne, Earl of Dalmeer, intends to thwart his mother’s officious matchmaking attempts through the most aggravating methods at his disposal. Singling out the one woman she is conspicuously ignoring is low-hanging fruit.



A mutual arrangement—his protection for her company—seems the perfect solution. If only it doesn’t prove their downfall.