Falling for the Earl, Falling for the Earl

Is it possible to fall in love at first sight? Despite everything against it? Rushing to her father's defense, Lucy Kershaw has just told a dreadful lie to two spiteful ladies. Her father is not, as she said, the heir to a marquessate.Although the Kershaws are related to the Marquess of Berkwick, he has an heir and a spare. Immediately regretting the impulse, Lucy hopes it is quickly forgotten, even though the handsome Earl of Dorchester overhears her. Her father's success at the gaming tables means he can now send her to her aunt in London for the Season. And Lucy fears the lie will follow her there and cause a dreadful scandal. In London, the news has already spread, and suitors and fortune hunters rush to present themselves to her aunt. Fearing it will all fall down like a house of cards, Lucy just wants to go back to Bath. But she is surprised to have a sympathetic ear in Lord Dorchester, who dances with her at a London ball and introduces her to his sister. Lucy is drawn to him, although she knows he is betrothed, and even if he weren't, they move in different worlds. Unwilling to let the scandal, which is spreading through the ton, touch him, she tries to keep him at arm's length. But that proves not easy to do as each time they meet, the attraction grows stronger. When Hugh Fairburn, Lord Dorchester, comes across a lady at a ball, he is immediately taken with her. Despite the fact that he just heard her telling a blatant lie. Years ago, his father arranged for him to marry the neighbor's daughter once she emerged from the schoolroom. Left in limbo until then, Hugh joined the army. But while he was away fighting Napoleon, his father died, and the chance to overturn his decision on Hugh's marriage died with him. While his betrothed shows little enthusiasm for marriage, Hugh remains honor-bound to keep his father's promise-even as his thoughts remain on Miss Kershaw. His sister and she have become bosom friends, and Miss Kershaw is often within his orbit, tempting him to forgo his duty. Despite his own betrothal, Hugh feels a sense of urgency to act, to declare his feelings as other men pursue Miss Kershaw, particularly one who might even be dangerous. Is there a chance to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles which keep them apart and have that happy ending? Improper Ladies Book 1 - The Mysterious Lord Ballantine Book 2 - Falling for the Earl Book 3 - Ravished by the Rake