An Intriguing Affair — Mary Kingsley

The announcement of the Viscount Stanton's marriage was to be expected, thought Althea regretfully. She and Jeremy had been friends far too long for her not to know of his father's debts and his need for ready funds. But how could Jeremy offer for such a vapid girl? With his restless spirit and commanding presence, he needed a mature and confident woman, one who would make him an exemplary and caring wife. But having refused his proposal once before, how could she convince him he was her one true love?

If only Althea had accepted his proposal, Jeremy knew, things would have turned out quite nicely. Of course he had asked half in jest, and Thea's sensible and independent nature hardly allowed for such light-hearted proposal. But even as circumstances forced him to request the hand of another, the lovely Thea was never far from his thoughts. If only his need to marry wasn't so immediate, it was quite possible his friendship with Thea might blossom into something of a far more g romantic and passionate nature...

Hero: Jeremy Stanton
Heroine: Althea