Pretense

Two enemies pretending to get along—only their hearts forgot the “pretending” part.

Miss Daphne Dearborn has been wishing Lord Brimley to the devil ever since an embarrassing incident involving a clothespress, a scandalous letter, and Brimley himself wearing not a stitch. No need to speak of it. It was years ago. She is no longer that mischievous young lady.

Well… perhaps still a little mischievous.

Because when she learns Brimley will be in Bath during her well-earned holiday with her dearest friend, May Allen, she must act. Knowing that man is lurking about would ruin everything. And what is a little harmless mischief if it keeps him far, far away?

Being an exotically handsome rake, war hero, and single man in possession of an alarmingly good fortune, Brimley is accustomed to women tossing themselves at him. But nothing prepared him for that cracked chit from the clothespress incident suddenly appearing at his table in a coaching inn, proclaiming her undying love and naming their future children. He was icily polite then, but should he see her in Bath, he intends to show her no civility. Whatsoever.

But then…

He discovers that his closest friend, Colonel Louis Fielding, has fallen secretly in love with Miss Allen—just as, to Daphne’s shock, she learns May quietly yearns for the colonel in return.

Dear God! To bring their two hopeless friends together, must Daphne and Brimley do the unspeakable, pretend to get along?

All their holiday aspirations for rest and happiness shatter into chaos, comedy, and confused feelings. (Love. They fall in love. It’s not pretty.)