An Unquestionable Lady

the long version

GENTLEMAN OFFERS SECURITY AND SOCIAL POSITION IN RETURN FOR MARRIAGE WITH AN UNQUESTIONABLE LADY. — Too proud to apply to relatives or friends for help, Miss Claudia Tallon was desperate enough to answer the advertisement. But why would an affluent and well-positioned gentleman need to go to such lengths to find a wife? Then she learned his name... Giles Verylan. Now she knew why he needed to advertise; no lady would dream of allying herself with such a rake. But the touch of his hand, the knowing smile, and the challenging gleam in his appraising eyes made her wonder if perhaps she was not a lady after all -- at least in certain circumstances... A SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT — Verylan looked over his prospective bride with clinical dispassion. Yes, she would do. Obviously a lady, and attractive -- damned attractive -- in the bargain... as well as sensible enough to appreciate the advantages of what he was offering. A marriage of convenience -- his convenience -- no more and no less. After providing him with an heir she would be free to live a life of luxury unencumbered by his attentions, which he would satisfy elsewhere. Miss Tallon was hardly in a position to expect a love match, and neither was he. The two of them were thus eminently suited to one another... if only Verylan knew how well!