The Knave of Hearts

the long version

When it was discovered that the notorious Duke of Melcombe had become the guardian of Ravella Shane, Society was shocked. He was altogether the wrong sort of guardian for a beautiful young heiress--he was a gambler, a roué, a heartbreaker, a worldly rake and a man not to be trusted to guard the morals of an innocent child just out of school! An incongruous pair that were to invite endless gossip and speculation. The Duke, however, was prepared to ignore such comments. For Ravella, her guardian could do no wrong. She adored him and refused to believe any of the stories that she heard about him. But such was the fascination of the dashing Duke that Ravella could not leave his side. Her adoration led her into the gaming houses--and worse. But always the Duke was there to rescue her. Was it only her fortune that attracted him? What if she were penniless? A strange twist of fate was to give Ravella the answer... and is possible that her illusions were shattered.