A Series of Unconventional Courtships

Debutantes fear him. Their mamas shun him. And it’s all the fault of that gossipmonger, Lady X. William Grey, Lord Tensford, has an old title and an empty purse. He knew it would be difficult to find a society bride, but after Lady X heeds baseless rumor and brands him Lord Terror, it’s next to impossible. Until he comes to the aid of Lady Hope Brightley, who staunchly defends him to the ton, causing Lady X to re-dub him Lord Tender.

Lady Glory Brightley was dreading her sister’s house party—until she discovers an early guest mired in a bog. She pulls the earl of Keswick free—and then goes to great lengths to hide her limp from him. Is it too much to ask, just once, to be seen and treated as everyone else? Keswick has come to Gloucestershire to hide—from an overzealous debutante, from his father, perhaps even from himself. He bonds with Lady Glory as a fellow misfit—her limp is nothing compared to the wounds he hides. They pledge to see each other through the choppy waters of the party.

Mr. Barrett Sterne has one thing on his mind. He must find Lord Tensford’s fossil specimen—the one that was stolen right out from under his nose—and his cracked skull. It is a matter of honor. It is vital to preserving the regard of his close-knit circle of friends. Why, then, must he keep pushing away thoughts of Miss Munroe, the girl who distracted him from his duty that fateful night?