Playing the Duchess — Karen Lingefelt

Nicholas Maxwell, Duke of Colfax, has invented an American fiancée separated from him by war.  When peace intrudes, he plots to fake her death on the voyage to England and be too bereaved to find a new bride closer to home—until a mysterious woman throws his plans into chaos, and he conjures an even more outrageous scheme.   Mistaken for a deceased passenger while sailing from America, Claire Tremaine arrives in London only to be swept into a dangerous deception when Nicholas claims her as his bride.  In exchange for passage home, Claire agrees to pose as his American-born duchess, feigning homesickness and difficulty adapting to her new role before deserting the handsome rogue.  He need never worry about remarrying—or that she'll learn his devastating secret.  What could go wrong?But if Nicholas can't disguise his desire for this fiery hoyden, and Claire can't pretend indifference once he steals her heart…then what could go right?