The Burgundy Club Series by Miranda Neville

This free short story tells the story of Susanna Burley, a penniless widow, and Simon Wynford, the attractive scholar who is courting Susanna'a employer and never seems to notice the humble companion. Or perhaps he does. They keep running into each other in the oddest places. The story stands alone, but one of the locations is the book shop run by Mrs. Juliana Merton, the heroine of The Wild Marquis.

The Marquis of Chase is not a reputable man. He is notorious for his wretched morals and is never received in respectable houses. The ladies of the ton would never allow him in their drawing rooms . . . though some of them have welcomed him into their bedchambers. Ejected from his father’s house at the age of sixteen, he now lives a life of wanton pleasure... moreThe Marquis of Chase is not a reputable man. He is notorious for his wretched morals and is never received in respectable houses. The ladies of the ton would never allow him in their drawing rooms . . . though some of them have welcomed him into their bedchambers. Ejected from his father’s house at the age of sixteen, he now lives a life of wanton pleasure. So what could the Marquis of Chase possibly want with Juliana Merton, a lovely, perfectly upstanding shopkeeper with a mysterious past? A moment’s indiscretion? A night’s passion? Or a lifetime of love? Even the wildest rakes have their weaknesses . . . less

She is determined to find a husband. . . now! Lady Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows a proper marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world—which is precisely why she will marry Lord Blakeney, though she's certain she'll never love him. But then she's kissed by the brilliant and unconventional Sebastian, Viscount Iverley . . . and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray... moreShe is determined to find a husband. . . now! Lady Diana Fanshawe's impeccable bloodline doesn't stop society from laughing at the antics of her eccentric family. She knows a proper marriage is her one chance to make her way in the world—which is precisely why she will marry Lord Blakeney, though she's certain she'll never love him. But then she's kissed by the brilliant and unconventional Sebastian, Viscount Iverley . . . and her well-laid plans tumble into disarray. Sebastian wants absolutely nothing to do with love or marriage. But when he arrives at his hated cousin Blakeney's house party, Sebastian is smitten by the tantalizing Diana. But Diana is "the marrying kind," and Sebastian has no wish to risk his freedom—though the passion between them is hard to resist. Should the lady follow her heart in an attempt to win Iverley's, though it seems hardened against her—or should she sacrifice her love for respectability? less

Being kidnapped is teaching Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life:. Lesson One : Never disrobe in front of a gentleman. .. unless his request comes at gunpoint. Lesson Two : If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance. Lesson Three : If presented with an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely... moreBeing kidnapped is teaching Miss Celia Seaton a few things about life:. Lesson One : Never disrobe in front of a gentleman. .. unless his request comes at gunpoint. Lesson Two : If, when lost on the moors, you encounter Tarquin Compton, the leader of London society who ruined your marriage prospects, deny any previous acquaintance. Lesson Three : If presented with an opportunity to get back at Mr. Compton, the bigger the lie, the better. A faux engagement should do nicely. Lesson Four : Not all knowledge is found between the covers of a book. But an improper book may further your education in ways you never guessed. And while an erotic novel may be entertaining, the real thing is even better. less

They couldn't be more different—but there's one thing they agree on. .. In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly the last man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head... moreThey couldn't be more different—but there's one thing they agree on. .. In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly the last man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head. The heat and noise of her debutante ball give Minerva a migraine. Surely a moment's rest could do no harm . . . until Blake mistakes her for another lady, leaving Minerva's guests to catch them in a very compromising position. To her horror, the scandal will force them to do the unthinkable: marry. Their mutual loathing blazes into unexpected passion but Blake remains distant, desperate to hide a shameful secret. Minerva's never been a woman to take things lying down, and she'll let nothing stop her from winning his trust . . . and his heart. less