Hunting the hoyden...
The Earl of Rushton is in need of a wife and Lady Serena requires a husband. This ought to be a simple arrangement. And yet...how is a man supposed to court his potential bride when he can't even find her? Rush always thought he'd marry for love like his parents, but love won't save his estate from ruin. And so here he is, playing a game of cat and mouse with the headstrong young lady who'd agreed to be his bride during one fateful sleigh ride. He ought to move on, find a lady who's not intent on leading him on a wild goose chase. And he would, except...he can't. Because the more he learns about his mysterious bride-to-be, the more he finds himself enchanted. Is it possible that a marriage of convenience could be something more? Possibly. But he'll have to catch her first.
She's caught in a trap...
Lady Serena didn't exactly lie when she'd told the Earl of Rushton she would marry him. She just hadn't thought it would ever come to pass. After all, everyone knew he was supposed to marry her sister. Even when that agreement fell through, she felt certain he would find some better alternative. He's looking for a proper countess, and no gentleman would wish for the free-spirited, irrepressible Maxwell sister for that role, even if her dowry is substantial enough to save his estate. But the kind, handsome earl is also surprisingly persistent. Not to mention cunning. A man determined to woo her with dancing and flowery praise, she could easily deflect. But when he offers to take her shooting and leaves her breathless with his kisses...it's not just her freedom she's in danger of losing. Now it's her heart on the line.
