A Bid for Independence — Karla Hocker

She didn't give a fiddle for the frippery of London! It was the piano she loved...

Cherry Sinclair's parents had given their lovely daughter one year to fulfill her dream to become a successful concert pianist. If she failed, there was only--dash the thought! --marriage to a rather dull local peer for her future. But though she eschewed the ton, Cherry found herself embroiled in social difficulties from the moment she reached London. But how was she to know that her very first audition would be held in a house of ill repute? And why was the mistress of the dashing Duke of Belcourt, the green-eyed Lady Aberlaine, doing her best to sully Cherry's name?

And most maddening of all, why was the devastatingly handsome duke himself always there--laughing, of course, and offering his help--every time Cherry made a gaffe? It all seemed destined to take her away from her music--and lead her to a new song of love.

Hero: Marcus Belcourt
Heroine: Charity "Cherry" Sinclair