For Want of a Reputation — Wendy Soliman

Previously published as part of the Regency Romantics' Boxset Summer 2016

Pascal Devonshire, Earl of Walsea, must marry before he reaches the age of thirty or risk losing his inheritance. His sisters have arranged a union between Pascal and Lady Allegra, Marquess Bardolph's only child. A marriage to the beautiful heiress will more than satisfy the terms of his father's will, so why does Pascal feel like a condemned man?

Ophelia Montague, daughter of a disgraced baronet, is delighted to return to England after living for too long in Ceylon. She is unsurprised when society closes ranks against her and grateful to her childhood friends, Lady Allegra and Cassie Lambert, for remaining unswervingly loyal. They insist upon Ophelia accompanying them to the week-long house party at Devonshire Hall, at the end of which Allegra's engagement to Lord Walsea will be announced.

Aware of the fragile state of Allegra's mind, Ophelia is filled with doubts about the suitability of the union between Allegra and the influential and intelligent earl. Drawn to one another, Ophelia and Pascal's attraction is doomed. Pascal will lose everything if he doesn't marry a lady with a spotless character.

Can Ophelia's reputation be redeemed? And even if it that were possible, how can Ophelia follow her heart if it means betraying Allegra, her steadfast friend?