For years, Lady Rosalind Brightley lived in the shadow of her dazzling eldest sister. Her debut now at hand, Rosalind is poised to become a great lady of society in her own right. With the help of the imperious but well-connected Duchess of Dagincourt, Rosalind is sure to attract a prosperous husband … and ensure her beloved estate, Cortwood Manor, remains in the family. If only her dearest friend hadn’t returned from trial service in the royal navy looking so devilishly alluring. All his life, Anders has loved Rosalind Brightley. Unfortunately, as the second son of a peer of the realm, he has few prospects, and Ros doesn’t see him as more than a friend. Resigned to his fate, Anders abides by his father’s wishes and agrees to wed an heiress desperate to escape her own father’s wrath. If Anders can’t marry the woman he loves, he might as well make a pragmatic match. Or so he thinks. Lady Rosalind can’t resist the gaming tables, and after a few tricks of whist, her plan to save Cortwood abruptly turns. Now that her financial stability is assured, she is free to entertain any gentlemen she fancies, and mutual desire between the longtime friends ignites. But there is still the small matter of his arranged engagement and an aggrieved duchess. Anders never thought he was good enough for Rosalind Brightley. Could Rosalind’s next wager convince him to take a chance on true love?
