Reluctant Bride — Joan Smith

"I think it is a mistake for a man of unstable temperament to marry. Don't you?"
"To marry a timid lady, yes. You must find someone who is not afraid of your blustering, arm her with a stout club, and marry her."

Elizabeth Braden, known as Lizzie, was settling happily into spinsterhood (she claimed she never wanted to marry anyway) when two things happened. Her carriage smashed into that of Sir Edmund Clount and someone stole her diamonds.

Between Lizzie and Sir Edmund it was hate at first sight. He was an irascible tyrant and she was a spirited nag. But for reasons not even he understood, Sir Edmund undertook to find Lizzie's stolen necklace--and found he was also looking for her heart.

Hero: Sir Edmund Clount
Heroine: Elizabeth (Lizzie) Braden