Lucinda
She owed him more than gratitude

Lucinda Edrington was in a coil. In order to escaper debtor's prison, she had to auction her Dorset home.

Her new neighbor, Lord Sarne, was helpful in the extreme. But Lucinda was not unaware that another lady had fixed her interest in that direction. Lord Sarne, however, showed a definite preference for Lucinda and proceeded to assist her much more than she knew.

Lord Sarne's offer of marriage was not unexpected, but by that time, a certain rumor, set about by a certain lady, compelled Lucinda to refuse. Unwilling to accept defeat, Lord Sarne uncovered the truth, resulting in a more satisfying coup de grace than anyone had anticipated.