The Reluctant Husband — Madeleine Conway

WILL A SHAM MARRIAGE...
Young Cecilia Marchmont is appalled at her father's announcement that he's gambled away her hand in marriage to the son of a wealthy friend. Nonetheless, she agrees to the union -- with the caveat that upon her groom's return from his upcoming European tour, an annulment may be arranged. Cecilia is smitten by her fiance's dark good looks, but shattered when she overhears the sullen aristocrat express utter contempt for her. Outraged, she vows to become an attractive and charming woman -- the kind who can seduce her own "husband" and teach him a lesson he won't soon forget...

...REVEAL A TRUE LOVE?
Ormiston Ducre was furious at his father for forcing him to wed Marchmont's chubby daughter. It was a clear case of blackmail: marry Cecilia, or forfeit his trip to Europe. Who could blame him for harboring resentment against all involved -- including the girl? Now, five years later, he's a man of the world, ready to return to England and put the whole sorry mess behind him. But at a masked ball in Paris, he meets the most enchanting and mysterious woman he's ever known. This is a lady with whom he could spend his life. But first, he must learn her true identity...