Only You — Cheryl Bolen

This is a novella from the anthology Ever My Love: Lore of the Lucius Ring (no longer available). The original prologue, written by Kathryn Le Veque, is included. Heat index for both stories: Sweet

Lady Annie Childe is accustomed to her twin sister taking everything that is hers, but she simply will not sit by idly while Fanny attempts to steal the affections of the only man Annie's ever been attracted to -- the Duke of Axminster.

Though the lovely twins are identical, it is the scattered-looking one who catches the eye of Alex, the Duke of Axminster. She is the only woman he knows who shares his passion for politics. Not only that, she discusses them with keen intellect -- and her views mirror his own. There is also something about her that elicits his protective instincts. But how can he withstand the assault from her scheming mother who's determined he woo the wrong sister?