Widow Lady Edwina Ross approaches rogue Prescott Devane with an unusual offer. She needs help in identifying the man who's blackmailing her. Edwina's plan is simple. If Preston poses as her fiancΓ©, it will discourage her suitors and she can concentrate on uncovering the jackal threatening her. At Prescott's refusal, Edwina resorts to exerting pressure by offering him what he cannot obtain, an empty warehouse to use for storing his wares from his new business venture.
Prescott, an orphan and a former cicisbeo(male escort), has come to a critical juncture in his life. At the death of his mentor, Headmaster Dunn, and the loss of his best friend due to marriage, Prescott realizes he can't continue to get by on his looks and charm. He needs to have self- respect that his current occupation will not give him. Prescott decides to start a business providing society with certain goods. This should keep him busy and ease the pain caused by people not staying long in his life.
Needing the warehouse, Prescott accepts Edwina's offer. He's appalled at her lack of self-worth. Her rigid father tried to fit her into a mold, and her late husband continued where her father left off with constant criticism of her faults. Prescott bolsters Edwina's self-confidence, while falling in love with her. If Edwina has the courage to defy her father and accept Prescott, she may find the love she seeks.
This is a sweet tale of two lonely people of unequal rank who must accept their self-worth before they can find love. Ms. Robins adds a secondary character, Janelle, whose tart observations enhance the story even further.
Lady Edwina Ross refuses to sit by while her dearest
friend is being blackmailed, so she hatches an audacious
plan which hinges on the cooperation of London's most
notorious rake, Prescott Devane.
Prescott has had about all he can stand of London Society
and faithless women. But just when he decides to alter the
course of his life, along comes the lovely Edwina, who
sidetracks his attention quite outrageously. As the
promise of a dalliance turns into something more, Prescott
finds himself unexpectedly moved by the would-be
seductress . . . and tempted to become her greatest
champion.
Anger darkened Prescott's handsome features. "Is that how you see me? As reliable?"
"As much more than that . . . I feel like with you, I'm not so very much . . . " Edwina swallowed. "On my own."
"On your own? You've a family, money, friends, hell, you have a whole bloody Society!"
"Yes, but this blackmail business, it's all up to me. I feel like a dam holding back an onslaught of water. I'm not strong enough and need your support." She pressed her hands together in entreaty. "I need you, Prescott. And yes, you are perfect for the job because you are the only man I can imagine even pretending to be engaged to."
"I suppose I should feel flattered," he scoffed.
"As far as your touch . . . Well," She looked away. "I wasn't lying, I'm not like the other ladies of your acquaintance. I'm not built for . . . passion. I'm not good at it and don't know how to handle it."
His brow furrowed. "Not built for passion? I've never heard of such a thing."
"Well, it's true. And frankly, I'm a bit embarrassed by it." She wanted to close her eyes to ward off the mortifying confession, but it was too late now, the truth was out there, bared for Prescott to see.
His mouth opened and closed as if he was going to say something. Then instead, he reached for her, gripping her waist and pulling her up against his hard, virile form.
Her heart leapt. "Ah . . . what are you doing?"
"Consider it an experiment."Then his head lowered and his lips pressed down to hers.
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