Fleeing to the Rakish Duke by Grace Fletcher

Miss Georgina Adams is devastated when she learns her older brother and guardian, Peter, has been killed in an accident. What is to become of her family? Her Uncle Rudolph, a man she has never met turns up at the house and is adamant that she is to marry–and that her siblings are to stay out of her way.

Overhearing something that terrifies her, Georgina flees her house with her siblings, and after getting lost, ends up finding safety at the estate of the Duke of Norham, Samuel Worthington. Norham is known for his tendency towards drink and women, and Georgina does her best to stay out of his way. His sister strikes up a quick friendship with Georgina, and when her children are brought home from school, Georgina is only too happy to take the post and keep her family safe.

Norham finds himself falling for the attractive young woman. Though she is reluctant, Georgina cannot help but be enamored with the duke. Fearing the truth will be discovered when she is recognized at a ball, her careful plans are thrown into disarray. She must decide whether the protection that Norham offers is worth the deception. Will Georgina flee the house and take her siblings back out into the cold? Will Norham discover the truth–and believe Georgina? Can two broken hearts mend to find true ever-lasting love?