How to Marry a Marquis

Julia Quinn 1999

Elizabeth had been raising her siblings since the death of both of her parents 5 years prior. She had taken on the task of Lady's companion to make ends meet, but it just wasn't making things work anymore. She knew she had to marry to be able to continue providing for their small family, but the options weren't looking to great. That's when she discovers a small red leather bound book with the most unflattering title of How to Marry a Marquis! Why would her employer have such a crude thing and out in plain site for all to see?! Of all the rediculous thoughts to cross her mind, the worst was to actually think the book could hold useful knowledge! But she just couldnt' resist the urge to take it and see what it said, she was needing to find a husband anyway, what would it hurt?

James was coming to help his aunt out with a serious problem. He'd spent years working undercover for the war dept and now he could repay her only slightly for all the great things she'd done for him in his life. So under the guise of an estate manager he returns to her home to look for the person that's trying to blackmail her. When he meets Elizabeth he knows she's up to something....and surely no one could be as clumbsy as she was....but there was something about her, a charm and true love for life that proclaimed she was someone to watch for.

As she's trying to return the horrid book to its' place in the library, James catches her. Such an embarrassing situation to be caught in, especially with someone she's come to like so much, and such a handsome man! He gets into the gist of it when he discovers she really doesn't know his true identity, Marquis of Riverdale, and proceeds to help her with her hunt for a husband by giving her pointers on what to do and what not to do.....

.....but is it something he's up to the challenge to do?