Belle of the Ball

the long version

Arabella Swinley is in a most dreadful position. She has exactly one Season left to find a rich husband - and save herself from a lifetime of mended gowns, empty purses, and mountainous debts. But, alas, Arabella quickly discovers that desperation does not suit a lady. Bachelors who once would have swooned at her beauty now will not deign to ask for a dance. Arabella still entertains dim hopes for a husband. That is, until she loses her heart to handsome Marcus Westhaven. Never mind that he's charming and deeply intriguing - he's simply a nobody. Even worse, he's penniless. A match between them would be pure folly. But she can't stop thinking about the man who can offer her nothing...except a love that can last a lifetime.