An Impossible Fate by Penny Fairbanks

Raised in a family full of love, she’s convinced she doesn’t need a Season to find a match on her own. His family harbors a decades-old grudge against hers. When fate intervenes, will they find the strength to keep a forbidden love alive?
Miss Colette Harcourt might be the granddaughter of a baron, but because her father chose a career as an examiner of plays, she has never had much to do with Society. When her aunt offers to sponsor her for a proper Season, Colette reluctantly accepts, sure that nothing will come of it. When she catches the eye of a dashing gentleman from across the ballroom, it feels like love at first sight. They share a lovely dance and part ways. Until they meet again a few days later. And again a few days after that. Despite a shocking secret the mystery gentleman reveals, Colette is certain they are meant to be together.
Mr. Vernon Walsingham comes from a portrait-perfect family. Though they don’t have any titles, they have more than enough wealth to make up for it. His mother is one of the most well-connected women in Society—and she has a bitter past. Scorned many years ago by a young Mr. Harcourt, Vernon’s mother has raised him with a hatred for that family. When he meets Mr. Harcourt’s daughter at a ball, Vernon is thrown for a loop. How can someone so lovely come from the horrible family his mother describes? Against his better judgment, Vernon begins a whirlwind courtship with Miss Harcourt—in secret.
They can only keep their romance hidden for so long. Two families long at odds will clash. Will the potential for love be worth the terrible consequences?