Must Love Dukes

Lady Muriel Bell has a dim view of marriage. She'd much rather remain a spinster. Unfortunately, her stepmother, Lady Allred has other plans. Forced to attend a house party where an ancient suitor awaits, Muriel is contemplating how best to escape her fate when she meets a handsome lord with an equally dour view of marriage. And he just so happens to be attending the same house party. Hugh Lansing, Duke of Buxton is traveling to the Savorton estate where he is sure to be inundated with matchmaking mamas as he is at every house party. Hugh is fair game for every predatory young lady seeking to be a duchess. He's dreading his arrival and drowning his sorrows in inadequate meat pies when he meets a most intriguing young lady. One who is also avoiding marriage and bound for the same house party. Once formally introduced, Muriel proposes an understanding with Buxton. A fake relationship for the duration of the house party, long enough to put off her amorous suitor and any of the ladies chasing Buxton. Seems simple enough and it will benefit them both. But one splendid, glorious kiss later, Buxton is no longer pretending.And now he needs to convince Muriel that his feelings are real.