This novella originally appeared in the anthology, It Started With a Whisper Debutantes fear him. Their mamas shun him. And it’s all the fault of that gossip-monger, 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. It’s no improvement. Now he’s a laughing stock as well as a fortune hunter. But Lady Hope means to repay his kindness by helping him to find a bride. But in the end, will she turn him over to the perfect mate? Or ask him to . . . Love Me, 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, but he never expected to be caught up by this sprite of a girl—with her quick wit, stunningly fine seat on a horse and giving heart. Not that he could ever pursue such inclinations. For no true lady could want a man with his reputation and entanglements. Who could love a man who is nothing but a rakehell? He’s about to find out.

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? Miss Penelope Munroe has many things on her mind—her scientific interests, the help she’s providing her village friends, and the fact that her parents are pushing her toward marriage. Her father wants her to marry a peer, her mother keeps thrusting her at her scientist friends, but she cannot help but wonder if that spark between her and Mr. Sterne was real? She has a chance to find out when she becomes embroiled in the search for the missing fossil. Sparks are indeed flying and passions swirl, but Sterne’s demons have their claws buried deep in his heart. He is continually drawn to her, but feels honor bound to stay away. Penelope’s love and determination are fierce, but can she free him enough to trust in the permanence of love?

Wine, women, song, adventure, even scandal. Lord Chester pursued them all—and used the chase to outrun the pain in his past. But when his carousing endangers a young boy, he wonders if he must reevaluate the choices he's made. The pain of Miss Julia Deering’s past keeps turning up in her present. She’s settled and content, now, though, as a lady’s companion, until the dowager countess’s notorious grandson arrives. They are charged with bringing Christmas alive for the boy, the dowager and a quiet house, but they’ll uncover some truths about themselves along the way. Will the magic of the season convince them to believe in themselves—and each other?

Marriage is for dupes and fools. It is a truth Lord Whiddon has witnessed firsthand and more than once. He’s been distraught, watching his closest friends fall one by one—and he’s determined to avoid parson’s mousetrap himself. He’s surprised, then, to find himself in sympathy with a pretty, young debutante, in Town for the Season and determined to find herself a husband. But Miss Charlotte Mayne is a challenge and a worthy verbal sparring partner, with unique vision and a vulnerability that only he seems to see. He can’t marry her himself, but he deigns to help her in her quest. Well. Best laid plans and all of that. Misfortune—and a spiteful adversary—strikes, and the pair finds themselves forced to wed. Whiddon vows it will be a marriage in name only, but Charlotte wants more. She marshals her wit, determination and probing insight and plans her siege, but she’s up against Whiddon’s stubbornness, the ghosts of his past, and the maneuverings of their foes. Will fiery passion and fledgling love be enough to conquer the obstacles in their path—and their own fears?