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 fiancé, 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.

Book Summary

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.

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