An Earl For Hire

Facing a dire lack of funds, Lord William Davenport, the Earl of Blackthorne, is about to do the unthinkable for a man of his station.  He is about to sell his body to one of the wealthiest and most unhappily married Society matrons in all of England.  The idea of becoming some bored, rich woman's plaything is abhorrent to him, but he has no other choice - at least not if he wants to save his dear, sweet sister Anna, from a man who would abuse her.

Born with a lame leg, Lady Miriam Bexley has no desire to marry.  In fact, she doesn't much care for people at all.  All of her life she has been pointed at and whispered about due to her infirmity, particularly by the gentlemen of London.  Why on Earth would she wish to bind herself to such a horrible fate for the rest of her natural life?  No, she is better off with her stars and her telescopes for they, at least, do not ridicule her and they are always in perfect order.

The moment Miri accidentally overhears someone make Will a scandalously indecent proposition, she suddenly sees an opportunity she might be able to use to her advantage.  If she has enough coin, perhaps she can pay Will to court her so that she might fool her family into believing that she finally has a suitor.  It seems like the best decision she has ever made.  Or quite possibly the worst.