The Orphan

The sinking of the Brig Minerva results in many deaths, while for others, the future is suddenly brighter. But it’s not always easy to leave the past behind...

Evie Parfitt is almost thirty, penniless and with no prospect of ever marrying. She has her hands full helping turn a jewel merchant’s wilful heiress into a lady able to move in good society. When the sinking of the Minerva leaves her charge an orphan and she selects a notorious rake as her guardian, Evie is determined to protect both of them from his attentions. But faced with the most charming man she’s ever known, can she protect her own heart?

Eliot Armitage is rich, idle and spoilt, whiling away his life with a succession of mistresses. He’s not tempted by his eighteen-year-old ward, but it would be an amusing game to seduce her cool and oh-so-ladylike companion. When Evie disdains his approach and challenges him to find the jewel merchant’s missing diamonds, he sets out to prove that he’s not the worthless rogue she thinks him. But will he ever be able to convince Evie that a rake can change his ways?

This is a complete story with a HEA. Book 5 of a 6 book series. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom.