The Scandalous Masquerade

the long version

A larcenous lady. Her dear mother would faint dead away! But their current straitened circumstances had left Cara Brentwood little choice but to don cloak and boots and roam the midnight highways in search of unsuspecting noblemen. After all, the ton was to blame for her father's untimely demise. Yet after relieving the devilishly handsome Julius Wrothby of his valuables, Cara vowed that this would be her last caper. And now, unmasked and bedecked with jewels, she descended upon London society - to steal herself an earl. A deceiving gentleman. Surrounded by suitors, the dazzlingly lovely Cara Brentwood was the toast of the ton. But Julius Wrothby, Earl of Malton, knew he'd seen her somewhere before. Of course! She was "Gentleman Jack," the notorious thief who had purloined his purse. Well, two could play at this game. Determined to teach her a lesson in deception Julius set the scene for a seductive masquerade of his own...never imagining for an instant that this artful and most uncommonly alluring thief would abscond with his most prized possession - his heart!