Enamored with a Diffident Gentleman

Description

At the age of thirteen, Miss Abigail Snowley’s life took an unexpected turn when her loving parents were tragically killed in a carriage accident. After Abigail’s cruel and unfeeling grandfather—The Earl of Edgenshire—was named her legal guardian, she was sent to live with him in the countryside where she has remained these past seven years. Abigail is mortified when her grandfather arranges a marriage between her and the Viscount Chesingwood . . . a gentleman twice her age. Abigail fears spending the rest of her life bound to a loveless marriage, so she runs away and finds employment as a lady’s companion to the Duke of Davington’s unruly sister Lady Hyacinth. Having assumed a new identity to carve out a life for herself away from her scheming grandfather, the last thing Abigail expected was the growing attraction she feels for the handsome Duke of Davington!

Gareth Davenport—The Duke of Davington—prides himself on taking his ducal responsibilities seriously. Ten years ago, his mother sadly passed away shortly after giving birth to his younger sister Hyacinth. His mother’s untimely death took a severe toll on his father causing him to become a shell of his former self. Seeing the impact of his father’s grief, Gareth vowed never to marry, and certainly never to fall in love. Duty has called Gareth back to London after having spent some time abroad on business. His sister Lady Hyacinth is set to debut in the upcoming Season. However, Hyacinth’s unruly and unladylike behavior has sent her last three lady companions packing in just a single year. Gareth’s world is turned upside down when the beautiful Ms. Lansford assumes the role of Hyacinth’s new lady’s companion. And every time Gareth is near her, he feels the walls around his heart crumbling.

Will Gareth and Abigail continue to fight the growing attraction between them? Or will they finally succumb to their feelings and get their happily ever after?