Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School Series by Laura Beers

After the death of his father, Nicholas, Duke of Blackbourne, begrudgingly left behind his distinguished naval career to assume his proper role in Society. As he settles into the boring life of an aristocrat, he discovers that he has inherited something far worse than boredom, something that he is wholly unprepared for… an eighteen-year-old ward. Heiress Penelope Foster was banished to Miss Bell’s Finishing School only days after her parents died in a tragic accident... moreAfter the death of his father, Nicholas, Duke of Blackbourne, begrudgingly left behind his distinguished naval career to assume his proper role in Society. As he settles into the boring life of an aristocrat, he discovers that he has inherited something far worse than boredom, something that he is wholly unprepared for… an eighteen-year-old ward. Heiress Penelope Foster was banished to Miss Bell’s Finishing School only days after her parents died in a tragic accident. Five years later, she is still bitter about her guardian’s neglect. Her only goal is to avoid the duke and the dreaded marriage mart until she meets her majority. Then she will control not only her inheritance but will have the freedom to marry for love. Nicholas is duty-bound. Penelope is stubborn. Neither expect to find the other so intriguing, but when they are caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, they will have to decide whether they are willing to risk everything for love. Also part of the Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School Series: - The Governess by Elizabeth Johns - The Heiress by Laura Beers - The Beauty by Rebecca Connolly - The Spinster by Bree Wolf less

After enduring a horrible marriage to her late husband, the Marquess of Dunsmore, Jane Moore is finally free to lead her own life. But it's the Christmas season, and she feels quite discontent. In an effort to cheer herself up, she decides to host a house party at Dunsmore Castle. It will be the perfect opportunity to try her hand at matchmaking. Alden, Lord Dunsmore, has no desire to attend a house party, but he decides to accept the invitation rather than spend the holiday season alone. Again... moreAfter enduring a horrible marriage to her late husband, the Marquess of Dunsmore, Jane Moore is finally free to lead her own life. But it's the Christmas season, and she feels quite discontent. In an effort to cheer herself up, she decides to host a house party at Dunsmore Castle. It will be the perfect opportunity to try her hand at matchmaking. Alden, Lord Dunsmore, has no desire to attend a house party, but he decides to accept the invitation rather than spend the holiday season alone. Again. It helps that the party will be hosted by a woman that he finds most intriguing. This will give him the chance to spend additional time with her.As Jane recruits Alden to help with her matchmaking attempts, she slowly lowers the barriers around her heart and begins to trust the charming lord. But when he discovers she has a secret that she's been keeping from him, will he be able to forgive her for her deceit? Will the magic of Christmas be enough for two vastly different people to take a chance on love? less