My Elusive Countess — Carolynn Carey

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This book was originally published by Cerridwen Press in 2012. The current edition contains minor changes. Garath Melbourne, sixth Marquess of Blackbourne, survived Waterloo only to discover that the life awaiting him back in England was anything but peaceful. In addition to dealing with properties left in disarray by his late father, he feels honor bound to locate the child of his friend who died at Waterloo. Garath is the boy's guardian, and he's determined to protect the young earl from the influences of his merchant-class mother. Amanda may have been born into the merchant class, but her father had ensured that her education was as genteel as that of any noblewoman in the kingdom. Now a widow, Amanda is determined to protect her young son from the excesses of his father's world. To her horror, she discovers her late husband has appointed a guardian for her son-the disreputable Marquess of Blackbourne who is obviously a danger to her plans and to her resolution to avoid entanglement with another nobleman.