The Duke's Ward — Samantha Lester

Oh, he was intolerable! Anastasia's green eyes flashed when she thought of her new guardian, the dashing Duke of Essler. Mischievous, teasing ... why, Nigel would say anything just to make her blush.

Just returned from the wars, the duke was determined to act as Stacey's protector. But would he shield her from the jealousy of Madame DuBois, the beautiful widow whom he had once loved? And did he rove her still? A country lass, Stacey was quickly blossoming into a lady worthy of the London ton. How could she find a way to be more than a "little sister"? Who would help her if the one man meant to protect her had, without a thought, stolen her heart?