Lady Caroline Selwyn’s world centers on her father, so when she receives dire news of his health - two days before Christmas, no less—her first thought is to weep. Her second is to make this Christmastide the best he’s ever known. She rummages in memory for festive traditions, plans charades, purchases bean cakes... and acquires an affianced husband. Oh, not a real one - what she does is convince Papa’s physician to pretend an engagement, for just a few weeks... moreLady Caroline Selwyn’s world centers on her father, so when she receives dire news of his health - two days before Christmas, no less—her first thought is to weep. Her second is to make this Christmastide the best he’s ever known. She rummages in memory for festive traditions, plans charades, purchases bean cakes... and acquires an affianced husband. Oh, not a real one - what she does is convince Papa’s physician to pretend an engagement, for just a few weeks. Doctor Samuel Avery can hardly credit his complicity in this madcap deception. Whatever was he thinking? But it does seem to improve the comfort of the earl, and his own sisters are in alt at the idea of his impending nuptials. And he has admired Caroline for so long, the role of her betrothed is easy to play. In fact, the scheme seems in every way perfect. Except that it is not true. less
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