The Ladies' Wagering Whist Society Series by Meredith Bond

Can the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help an impoverished modiste win the hand of a sought-after Duke? Tina Rowan is beautiful, talented—and wants nothing more than to be free of her past. The illegitimate daughter of a baroness, she is being blackmailed by her own foster-father. She must rely on her flair for designing dresses to earn enough to pay him off. Starting a business dressing the ladies of Regency society isn’t easy for a nobody... moreCan the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help an impoverished modiste win the hand of a sought-after Duke? Tina Rowan is beautiful, talented—and wants nothing more than to be free of her past. The illegitimate daughter of a baroness, she is being blackmailed by her own foster-father. She must rely on her flair for designing dresses to earn enough to pay him off. Starting a business dressing the ladies of Regency society isn’t easy for a nobody. But Tina has three aces up her sleeve—her own amazing talent, her well-connected biological mother, and the helpful (if meddlesome) support of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society. The handsome, arrogant Duke of Warwick has grown up schooled in the “proper” way for a nobleman to behave. Rule number one: do not fraternize with people of the lower classes. But when he has to introduce his beloved sister to society, he finds himself completely reliant on the beguiling woman he’s hired as his sister’s modiste. To his astonishment, he finds himself opening up to her and enjoying her company far, far too much. When Tina discovers the true man behind the ducal title, her heart might very well be lost. But can the duke set aside his façade and allow himself to love the only woman who could possibly make him happy? It will take the combined efforts of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society to see this difficult hand well played. less

Can the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help an extroverted sportswoman and a dedicated scientist solve matters of the heart? Diana Hemshawe is enjoying the perfect life—her first season in Regency society, racing her beloved horse, and the companionship of the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society. When her father has a heart attack, she has to refocus her energies on nursing him back to health... moreCan the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help an extroverted sportswoman and a dedicated scientist solve matters of the heart? Diana Hemshawe is enjoying the perfect life—her first season in Regency society, racing her beloved horse, and the companionship of the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society. When her father has a heart attack, she has to refocus her energies on nursing him back to health. Balancing responsibilities shouldn’t be too difficult for someone as resourceful as Diana … except for the charming and thoughtful doctor who is so very distracting. Andrew, Lord Colburn, used to be passionate about just one thing—pursuing the cutting edge of medical research. Now his excitement in discovering a new cure for his patient’s heart disease is warring with his growing fascination with the man’s clever and spirited daughter. But can he learn to balance his loyalty to patients with his desire for her? It will take all the guile of the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society to ensure that Andrew and Diana have a sporting chance at love. less

Can the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help sort out a love quadrangle?It’s not that the practical Beatrice Kendrick doesn’t trust her mirror twin, the vivacious and flirtatious Isabel. It’s just that the rebellious Bel has proven herself all too capable of welcoming the attentions of the wrong sort of man. So to keep Bel from getting into trouble, Bee secretly accompanies her when she makes her debut in Regency London... moreCan the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help sort out a love quadrangle?It’s not that the practical Beatrice Kendrick doesn’t trust her mirror twin, the vivacious and flirtatious Isabel. It’s just that the rebellious Bel has proven herself all too capable of welcoming the attentions of the wrong sort of man. So to keep Bel from getting into trouble, Bee secretly accompanies her when she makes her debut in Regency London. Can Bee shield her own heart while trying to protect her sister? And can Bel ensure that her quiet sister gets a taste of the joys of London society—and a chance at romance?When the broodingly romantic Edward Conway, nursing a broken heart, meets musically inclined Bel Kendrick, she stirs a passion in him he wasn’t sure he could ever feel again after the death of his Italian lover. The strappingly handsome Paul St. Vincent, too, meets the thoughtful and clever woman he thinks is Bel, and she seems to be just the sort of intellectually-minded woman he’s looking for. Only sometimes Edward senses that Bel doesn’t always remember what they’d discussed the last time they met. And at times she is entirely too giggly for Paul’s taste.Both men, however, have decided that Miss Kendrick is the right woman for him. What they don’t realize is that they’re both right. But it will take a little sleight of hand by the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society to untangle this trick of mirrors. less

Can the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help a duke’s sister find love where she would least expect it?Lady Margaret refuses to believe she is as beautiful and charming as people say. With a deadline to marry, she knows she needs to rely on her friends’ help in putting herself forward. And now she’s even seeking out the support of her chaperone’s footman. Only through his incredible art can she recognize what she is unable to see in her mirror... moreCan the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society help a duke’s sister find love where she would least expect it?Lady Margaret refuses to believe she is as beautiful and charming as people say. With a deadline to marry, she knows she needs to rely on her friends’ help in putting herself forward. And now she’s even seeking out the support of her chaperone’s footman. Only through his incredible art can she recognize what she is unable to see in her mirror.Tall, blond, and broad-shouldered, James Douglass, Marquess of Rossburke, has the looks of the perfect footman. This unexpected career path is unfortunately the only way the impoverished Scottish nobleman can find to support his passion for painting – for which London is the only place to be. But how can he now win the heart of his new passion, the lovely and vulnerable Lady Margaret?To make sure that love is well served, the Ladies of the Wagering Whist Society have to concoct their most devious plan to convince the footman to show his true hand. less

Can the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society turn back the clock to restore the reputation of a lady maligned?The lovely, kind Elizabeth, the Countess St. Vincent, is determined to re-enter Regency society now that she is widowed. Despite the years that have passed since her fiasco of a debut, one man still remembers and resurrects old rumors. With her reputation destroyed, so are her hopes... moreCan the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society turn back the clock to restore the reputation of a lady maligned?The lovely, kind Elizabeth, the Countess St. Vincent, is determined to re-enter Regency society now that she is widowed. Despite the years that have passed since her fiasco of a debut, one man still remembers and resurrects old rumors. With her reputation destroyed, so are her hopes. Can a newfound friend be the key to burying the past before the season ends?Charles Aldridge is a watchmaker and businessman fighting to protect a centuries-old industry threatened with extinction. But he is distracted from his quest when he is dragged into the troubles of the beguiling Lady St. Vincent. Every chivalrous bone in his body insists he do all he can to help her. Yet, following his heart may mean jeopardizing his life's mission.The Ladies' Wagering Whist Society will have to play a clever hand to settle this Affair of Hearts... before time runs out. less

Can the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help a gentleman to believe in a Christmas miracle?The joyful and lovely Rachel Corbyn may be dedicated to helping her father’s parishioners stay healthy and happy, but a delicious flirtation with the Duke of Warwick’s handsome secretary last spring awoke a desire she hadn’t even realized was lurking within her. Despite his silence since then, she wonders if she can tease the serious man enough to reignite their friendship, if nothing else... moreCan the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help a gentleman to believe in a Christmas miracle?The joyful and lovely Rachel Corbyn may be dedicated to helping her father’s parishioners stay healthy and happy, but a delicious flirtation with the Duke of Warwick’s handsome secretary last spring awoke a desire she hadn’t even realized was lurking within her. Despite his silence since then, she wonders if she can tease the serious man enough to reignite their friendship, if nothing else.Martin Arbeit had decided long ago to dedicate himself to his employer and his work. The beautiful Miss Corbyn is upsetting all of his plans. She makes him smile and even laugh! She makes him happy—an emotion he’s tried to remove from his life, so as to be the best secretary to the duke. But when the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society put thoughts of romance into his head, he finds himself unable to resist the idea—and Miss Corbyn.A night in a manger, three wise men, and the miracle of birth on Christmas morning turn all the cards in Martin’s favor. How can he possibly resist the most precious gift of all—love? less

Can the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help a cloistered scientist discover love outside the garden?Cassie Benton would much rather be breeding her beloved roses than dancing through the ballrooms of London. But at twenty-one, she longer has the choice to stay hidden in her garden. Now, Cassie is ready to brush the soil from her skirts and find the perfect husband... moreCan the Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society help a cloistered scientist discover love outside the garden?Cassie Benton would much rather be breeding her beloved roses than dancing through the ballrooms of London. But at twenty-one, she longer has the choice to stay hidden in her garden. Now, Cassie is ready to brush the soil from her skirts and find the perfect husband. Her problem is that her scientific analysis is useless when she has to evaluate her feelings about an outlandish and exasperating gentleman.Tall, blond, and blue-eyed, Archer Fitzwalter has always had to fend off the young ladies. So when he is instead dismissed out of hand by a girl with smudges of dirt on her dress, he takes that as a challenge. Before he knows it, he's doing the most outlandish things to win her affections. Always one to follow his gut, Archer is confused by this young woman, who teaches him that sometimes it's better to stop and think things through.The Ladies’ Wagering Whist Society will need to find a way to help Cassie and Archer bridge their differences and allow their love to bloom. less

Can the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society help a scarred war veteran rediscover his ability to love?Christopher Pennyston, the most beautiful boy at school, the most handsome man of the ton, returns from war horribly scarred by a sabre slash. Forcing himself to return to London to care for his injured batman, he is devastated by people cringing at the sight of his disfigurement. But his biggest shock comes when a beautiful volunteer nurse ignores his scar and ignites his heart... moreCan the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society help a scarred war veteran rediscover his ability to love?Christopher Pennyston, the most beautiful boy at school, the most handsome man of the ton, returns from war horribly scarred by a sabre slash. Forcing himself to return to London to care for his injured batman, he is devastated by people cringing at the sight of his disfigurement. But his biggest shock comes when a beautiful volunteer nurse ignores his scar and ignites his heart.Ellen Aston, Lady Moreton, has devoted her life tending to others. After being told that her husband had been killed in the Napoleonic war, she turns her energy to caring for wounded soldiers. But despite her devotion to her injured wards, she yearns to find a way to break out of her humdrum life. The spark comes from an intriguing stranger, who lights the embers of her heart.The Ladies' Wagering Whist Society has to carefully play their hand, to help a woman eager to discover the world find love with a man who wants to hide from it. less

Can the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society ensure that two business rivals close the deal?Joshua Powell, Lord Wickford, enjoys being the dashing, popular and successful owner of Powell's Club for Gentlemen. But when he is nearly killed while riding through the streets of London, he realizes that he needs to find a wife and beget an heir. Joshua knows that his intended wife needs to be a lady from a well-esteemed family... moreCan the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society ensure that two business rivals close the deal?Joshua Powell, Lord Wickford, enjoys being the dashing, popular and successful owner of Powell's Club for Gentlemen. But when he is nearly killed while riding through the streets of London, he realizes that he needs to find a wife and beget an heir. Joshua knows that his intended wife needs to be a lady from a well-esteemed family. So why is he constantly distracted by his business adversary's sparkling beauty, sharp tongue, and dazzling mind?Gwendolyn Sherman is fascinated with numbers and with figuring out the most efficient way to run her father's business. So her father makes her a deal: he would allow her to anonymously start her own business—a club for ladies—only if she would stay in London and find a titled husband. But those Regency lords all seem to want her only for her dowry. All, of course, except for her biggest competitor, the annoyingly attractive Viscount Wickford.It will be up to the Ladies' Wagering Whist Society to win their last trick, by setting Joshua straight on his priorities. After all, the ace of hearts trumps the king of clubs. less

Can the Ladies Wagering Whist Society help bring Christmas joy to a desperate man and a nurturing woman?Quinn Ainsby wants only one thing for Christmas—for his mother and his aunt to end their thirty-year feud. When the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society suggest he host a Christmas house party, he knows it will be just thing to bring the two warring sisters together. What he doesn’t anticipate is his grandfather’s new caregiver, the beautiful Charlotte Moore... moreCan the Ladies Wagering Whist Society help bring Christmas joy to a desperate man and a nurturing woman?Quinn Ainsby wants only one thing for Christmas—for his mother and his aunt to end their thirty-year feud. When the ladies of the Wagering Whist Society suggest he host a Christmas house party, he knows it will be just thing to bring the two warring sisters together. What he doesn’t anticipate is his grandfather’s new caregiver, the beautiful Charlotte Moore. Not only can she deal with his grandfather but does so with grace and an incredible sense of humor.Charlie is just happy to have a roof over her head and someone to care for. After her father’s death left her with nowhere to go and no way to live, she is grateful her distant cousin was good enough to take her in and is more than happy to tend to the crotchety old man. But when her cousin’s grandson comes home, Charlie’s heart discovers that there’s more to life than just caring for the elderly and infirm—there are young, handsome men who need care as well.When Christmas comes, and the halls are decked with greenery, there is no better time to find your true hearts’ desire. less