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M.C. Beaton

A flirtation across the social divide may lead to lasting love—or betrayal—in this sparkling Edwardian romance by the New York Times–bestselling author.

Polly Marsh wasn’t born into high society, but she has high ambitions—and confidence that her beauty is enough to land a dashing nobleman. Taking a position as a stenographer for a prestigious family firm, she soon finds that she’s succeeded in capturing the attention of Lord Peter.

Others—such as his mother the duchess and Peter’s brother the marquis—are not as delighted by the situation as Polly is. Everyone seems to believe Peter’s intentions are unserious, and some are willing to sabotage. But Polly is nothing if not determined. The only question left to be answered is whether her faith is well-placed …

This historical novel, previously published under the names Jennie Tremaine and Marion Chesney, comes from the author known for her popular Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series and praised as “a romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure”(Booklist).

RosettaBooks

The Ladies In Love Series

Polly

Marion Chesney

Eight historical romances from the New York Times–bestselling author that celebrate the strength and determination of women fighting against the odds …

From a penniless pauper to a stenographer, a governess, and an accused murderess, the heroines of this outstanding collection overcome incredible odds with grit and sophistication—to conquer their challenges and to find true love.

The Ladies in Love Series includes: Polly, Ginny, Tilly, Susie, Daisy, Maggie, Poppy, and Amaryllis.

“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure. ” —Booklist

When a merchant’s daughter inherits a fortune, it brings a heap of trouble and a chance at love in this charming Edwardian romance.

Ginny Bloggs is as shocked as anyone. A wealthy man she’s never met has left her a fortune and a magnificent country estate. Too bad the man’s disgruntled relatives are part of the bargain. Charged with instructing Ginny in the ways of polite society, the quartet of querulous schemers have other plans in mind for her.

The handsome Lord Gerald de Fremney is around to keep the unruly relatives in line. But he soon learns that there is more to Ginny than what so pleasingly meets the eye. As delicate as a china doll, she’s also bold as brass. And now she’s going to teach them all what it meant to be a lady …

Ginny

A twisting tale featuring a calculating marquess, a marriage of convenience, and a touch of mystery from the New York Times–bestselling author.

Why would the Marquess of Heppleford marry someone like Tilly—plump, penniless, and paid companion to a deeply unpleasant duchess? Why, to insure his inheritance of course, by following the demands of his late father’s will. Once they’re wed, he can simply return to his rakish adventures in France.

Tilly, unfortunately, is unaware of the real reason this highly eligible bachelor wants her as a wife—and is heartbroken when she learns the truth. But when he comes back from Paris, he will be shocked to discover that his plain bride has made herself over into a seductive, sophisticated beauty bent on revenge—all while danger lurks in the shadows . . .

“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure.”—Booklist

Tilly

Widowed on her wedding night, an ordinary woman is plunged into a world of scheming and misadventure in this romantic comedy set in Edwardian England.

Married off to an elderly earl, Susie finds that her romantic daydreams don’t match her reality—but a twist of fate saves her from her lecherous new husband and leaves her with a fortune . . . along with a meddling mother-in-law determined to transform her into a lady worthy of London society.

There is no shortage of suitors for a wealthy young widow, but Susie yearns for genuine passion, not grasping greed. Perhaps she can find it with the attractive Sir Giles—if only he could be convinced that she isn’t a seductive schemer out for herself . . .

Previously published under the names Jennie Tremaine and Marion Chesney, this rollicking tale by the New York Times–bestselling author follows the fortunes of a delightful heroine in her rocky search for true love.

“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure.” —Booklist

Susie

A humble young woman enters high society, where she finds both deceit and a chance at love in the New York Times–bestselling author’s Edwardian romance.

Daisy Jenkins never expects to be anything more than a trespasser on the idyllic lawns of Marsden Castle. But when her guardian dies, she discovers her true name and station. As Lady Chatterton, she enters the elite circle of the Earl and Countess of Nottenstone, where she awaits the return of her father—a notorious Lord she’s never met. 

Unschooled in the ways of society, Daisy is now surrounded by aristocratic sharks who seem to both court and mock her. And why is the elegant Duke of Oxenden offering his protection to this newcomer who makes him laugh at the very word "love"? 

Daisy is determined to show them all. She’ll prove there’s such a thing as true love, no matter how hard, or how far she must search to find it!

Daisy

A tragic past taints one woman’s future in this intriguing Regency romance from the New York Times–bestselling author of the Agatha Raisin mysteries.

Maggie Macleod was weary of life with a soul sickness that ate into every fiber of her being. In a mad way, it did not seem strange to her that she should be on her way to the high court to stand trial for the murder of her husband. Her marriage seemed to have been one long, dreary desert lit by flares of cruelty. But Maggie is innocent in the matter of her beastly husband’s death, and she resolves to answer the question that plagues her: Who did murder the man?

Praise for M. C. Beaton 

“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure … [sustaining] her devoted audience to the last gasp. ” —Booklist

“Veteran author Marion Chesney (aka M. C. Beaton) delivers top-notch Regency fare. ” —RT Book Reviews

Maggie

New York Times–Bestselling Author: It’s a long road from the slums to the London stage—but the path to love and happiness may be even more challenging . . .

To better the lives of her sisters in the East End slums, Poppy Duveen built a new life as a star of the stage and then married a rich bounder . . . who soon left her a widow. Now she finds herself well off but forced to deal with her late husband’s uncle Hugo, the Duke of Guildham.

The attraction she feels is highly improper, but difficult to resist—despite his obvious disdain for her disreputable background. Poppy, however, has never been one to give up. Thus begins her plan to revive her career, because with or without a man, she refuses to let her future be controlled by an insufferable snob . . .

“A romance writer who deftly blends humor and adventure.” —Booklist

Previously published under the names Jennie Tremaine and Marion Chesney

Poppy

When London’s reigning beauty suddenly loses everything, she must pine in secret for the Marquess she loves in the beloved author’s Regency Romance.

Amaryllis Duvane is the belle of the London Season: a Diamond of the First Water, desired by every man and envied by every woman. Even better, she’s about to marry the devastatingly handsome Marquess of Merechester. But when her father dies, Amaryllis loses more than a parent. She loses her fortune, her standing among the ton . . . and her happily ever after.

Forced to depend on the generosity of rich relations, Amaryllis must work as a servant to her own socially ambitious cousins. When her ex-fiancé starts courting one of her relatives, she can’t bear the thought of him seeing what’s become of her—or how much she still desires him.

Amaryllis was originally published as The Poor Relation.