An Heir To Spare — Lisa Cooke

Penelope Winston has spent seven years deliberately scaring away suitors in order to gain her inheritance without a husband to interfere with her plans. Soon she will be able to travel the world with the freedom only allowed to spinsters and widows. But when news arrives that her childhood friend has been kidnapped, she hurries to his brother to offer help in locating the ransom.

Robert Melbourne is shocked to learn his brother has been kidnapped and the ransom is a rare Egyptian statue once in his possession. Unfortunately, the statue has disappeared, and he only has a few weeks to find it. His task is difficult enough without Miss Winston's interference. He'd spent much of his childhood avoiding “Perilous Penelope,” but when she manages to follow him despite his wishes, he discovers that the irritating child he once knew has become an intriguing woman he can't forget.