His Lordship could hardly believe his ears when this chit of a girl, barely twenty, announced herself to be his uncle’s widow from far-off India, and then proceeded to plan a campaign to take the most sophisticated circles of society by storm.At first the Marquis felt obliged to guard Dianthe from the dangers of seduction and scandal. But soon he saw it was himself he had to protect--before he fell prey to a huntress armed with every weapon of the gentle sex.

    Youth is blest by it, old age made benign: the eyes of love see roses blooming in December, and sunshine through rain. Verily is the time of true-love a time of enchantment — and Oh! how eager is woman to be." When Robert Develyn inherited a Kentish estate, he looked to spend his life in rural peace. However, the inheritance carried with it a complication within his gates, that of ‘ageing spinster’ Francesca Thornish, and Robert found himself under a moral obligation to keep a protective eye on that very independent lady. When, in addition, the safety of the black colt, Merlin, was threatened, Robert found that his placid existence was at an end — and that he infinitely preferred the new order of things. Mira Stables is the author of many historical fiction novels, including The Byram Succession, The Swynden Necklace, and Golden Barrier.

    Unless the Rounceford cousins can persuade her to marry one of them. "Never!" declared Meg . . . until Lord Marcus takes up the challenge of this damsel he can't resist!

    But as soon as their passionate honeymoon is over, suspicion and jealousy begin to cloud their marriage. Cecilia is forced to give up her acting career. Rumors circulate about the bizarre death of Hugo's first wife, who was killed during her pregnancy. Is it possible that Hugo is so possessive of a wife that he'd be envious of his own heir? Is it true that madness runs in the Kinnaird family? If so, what can Cecilia do to save herself - and the child stirring within her?