The Hasty Proposal — Sarah J. Waldock

Edward Brandon, angered by the mercenary attitude of the girl he had intended to marry, vows to marry the first woman who does him a kindness. This turns out to be his aunt's young companion, Beth. Aunt Letty insists that Beth should have a season to give both Edward and Beth time to breathe, as Beth has long loved Edward from afar. Beth enjoys making friends in London, and furthering their romantic endeavours, but a crim. con. in the family means Edward is once again an eligible parti. Now Beth acquires an enemy in the person of the girl who spurned Edward. Against a backdrop of Bonaparte's defeat in 1814, a battle of wit and will is fought over Edward Brandon, who has come to love Beth as much as he has always liked her.