Lord Phineas Trew, the Duke of Fullbridge, must take a wife. Or rather a new wife. He is a widower, after all. However, after a string of balls, house parties and other social events, he is no closer to selecting a young lady to become his bride and his new duchess save for one woman who is strictly-off limits. As the social season comes to a close, Phin decides to host one last house party in a desperate attempt to find the right woman. Or at least find a woman he can tolerate.
Lady Josephine Marshwood is not in London under the best of circumstances. Her disgraced, scandal-attracting father, the Earl of Telford, has been found dead in the Thames. Thankfully, Josie has still been allowed entrance into Society so that she might make a decent match and she believes that she has with the Duke of Fullbridge. However, everyone has been quite clear that Josie needs to avoid the duke at all costs, unless she wishes to stir up more gossip.
Taking a risk, Phin invites Josie to his house party, hoping that if they spend more time together, he might grow bored with her or discover that they do not suit. After all, he is most certainly the wrong lord for her. Or is he? As Phin and Josie grow closer, they must decide if love will win the day, or if scandal and gossip will doom their chance for happiness.
This 77,200 word novel is written in the modern, Regency romance style for a slightly hotter and sexier read. It may not be appropriate for younger audiences.