A young woman risks disaster to achieve her prize in this Regency romance by the bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries.

Mannerling, the splendid family estate gambled away by Sir Beverly, remained the passionate desire of his daughters. Beverly himself had died; the eldest daughter, Isabella—having failed in her bid to reclaim their home—was blissfully wed. The mantle of savior then fell to the next eldest daughter, Jessica. How fortunate that the new owner of Mannerling had a marriageable son.

In truth, Harry was a brutal lecher, a drunkard, and a wastrel, but Jessica, blinded by determination, vowed to secure a betrothal. She was barely aware of the attentions of handsome, charming Professor Robert Sommerville, whose affection for Jessica was equaled only by the fear that her obsession to secure Mannerling would lead to disaster for all concerned. As scandal and intrigue swirl around her, Jessica must discover where the heart finds true happiness.

Praise for M. C. Beaton

“The best of the Regency writers.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Nobody writes Jane Austen like [M. C. Beaton].”—Detroit Free Press

“A delightful tale…romance fans are in for a treat.”—Booklist

“Nicely atmospheric, most notable for its gentle humor and adventurous spirit.”—Publishers Weekly