A Very Proper Thief

Daphne Summerhayes, "on the shelf" at 24, is bitterly disappointed because instead of touring Italy, she must chaperone her young cousin's come-out in London. Her mood is not helped by two disastrous meetings with Lord Courtlea, whom she considers an odious, self-serving libertine, and a thief. A feckless young brother, a missing jewel, and a pair of young lovers embroil them further. Courtlea thinks Daphne is too opinionated and headstrong, but lovely enough to warm his bed, and determines to win her. Daphne's defenses weaken. She will do anything to repossess the gem. Dare she love the charming earl? Did he betray her? Scandal threatens, but what Daphne recklessly proposes goes beyond scandal...