Emulating the Duke — Wendy Soliman

Within three years of returning to English soil after a decade in Boston, Jonathan Sheridan has established his business interests and seen all four of his siblings married. Anxious that the world should know his wealth is a consequence of his own efforts and that he has not depended upon the influence of his cousin Zach, the Duke of Winchester, to make his mark, Jon decides to exert his independence by purchasing an estate for his sole occupation.
Lady Ayla Courtney reaches the heartbreaking decision to sell Felsham Court, the house left to her by her beloved grandmother, since she can't afford to maintain it. She discovers that Hubert, her sister's husband, has political ambitions that rest upon Ayla's cooperation and he challenges her ownership of Felsham Court in order to procure her compliance.
Caught up in the middle of the property dispute, Jon should walk away but feels compelled to offer Ayla his help to best Hubert. Taken by her beauty and spirit, he denies his growing attraction towards her and concentrates his efforts upon keeping her safe.
For her part, thrown constantly into his company, Ayla's passions are aroused by the handsome and elusive Jon Sheridan. But she has a guilty secret that's haunted her since her youth and precludes her from ever forming a permanent attachment to any man.
Will Hubert succeed in making Ayla dance to his tune? Can Jon purchase the house without letting his feelings for Ayla run out of control? And can Ayla escape the life-threatening situation that Hubert's desperation embroils her in?