The Reluctant Countess — Karen Woods

In 1811, with the US and Britain on the brink of war, Theodousia (Dousia) Crawford Langley left her Virginia home to bring her young half-brother, her ward, William to England. William, following the murder of their father, is the heir to the Ducal title held by their uncle Jonathan. It was her father's wish that William be raised to fulfill his duties.
The last thing that the young widow expected on the last leg of the too exciting journey was to be compromised by Justin, Earl of Rivington and to be constrained by honor to marry him.
Justin had expected to meet a woman who might become his town mistress, the meeting having been brokered by a third party.
So, when he arrives at the Inn and goes to the bedroom which is always supposed to be kept ready for him, and he discovers Lady Dousia there, he assumes she is the woman he is supposed to be meeting.
The only thing that changes Justin's mind about her is the pistol she points at his chest to hold him off.
But, neither of them can reasonably anticipate the strength of the adverse reactions of several people to the prospect of Justin and Dousia's marriage.
Dangers to life, limb, and reputation abound, orchestrated for reasons of their own by people close to both Justin and Dousia. Nearly no one is exactly who they seem to be, and nothing is straightforward.
Can Dousia and Justin survive? Can they learn to love and trust one another? If they survive, will Dousia spend her life as the Reluctant Countess?