A Madcap Arrangement by Laura Beers

She was meant to be his bait, not steal his heart.

Richard Kendall, Marquess of Wilton, is a man on a mission. Determined to find the scoundrel who ruined his sister’s life, he tracks the elusive Mr. Smith to a quiet village—only to discover the man has vanished once again. In his place, Richard encounters Miss Theodosia Smith, a vexing young woman who insists she knows nothing of this mysterious relation. Unconvinced, Richard hatches a bold plan: he’ll take her to London under the guise of serving as his sister’s companion, hoping her presence will lure Mr. Smith out of hiding.

Theodosia finds Lord Wilton to be arrogant, overbearing, and far too handsome for his own good. She has demanding responsibilities managing her deceased father’s estate. Yet the chance to see London is too tempting to resist, even if she must endure his constant suspicion. As their uneasy alliance grows, Theodosia glimpses a man weighed down by duty, while Richard discovers a woman far stronger and more capable than he imagined.

But Richard’s loyalty to his family leaves little room for trust—or for love. And when long-buried truths come to light, he must decide if protecting his family’s reputation is worth the cost of breaking Theodosia’s heart. Because this time, it isn’t just scandal he risks…it’s the only woman who could claim his guarded heart.