A Wager Worth Making — Rebecca Connolly

The riskier the wager...

Everyone knows that Gemma Templeton is a wonderful, cheerful, friendly young woman who is well worth one's acquaintance. She is vibrant and warm, and plays the violin with exquisite talent. The only thing she lacks is a husband, and time is growing short for her in that regard. When an interesting opportunity arises from an unlikely source, Gemma's future is suddenly far more appealing, and a small wager makes all the difference.

...the sweeter the return.

What everyone does not know is that a certain man of a less warm reputation is very much interested in changing Gemma's unmarried state, and he doesn't care what anybody says. Lucas Sinclair, Lord Blackmoor, is a dark mark upon the face of Society, and his unexpected interest in Gemma leaves many to wonder if his motives don't hide some sinister purpose. He takes her ridiculous wager, and will stop at nothing to see it paid.