The Fifth Daughter — Elaine Coffman

Born of tragedy and nurtured by scandal, Maresa Fairweather was a fifth daughter, all but abandoned by her widower father. Wild and headstrong, she was fortunate to have Percy Bronwell to keep her from harm's way. Now the childhood friends have grown up, but realizing his love for Maresa is unrequited, Percy enlists in the Royal Navy.

Always attracted to the wrong man, Maresa continues her flirtatious ways until increasing gossip dictates a change of scene. She travels to Italy, but old habits are hard to break and, desperate to end another engagement, she pleads for Percy's help. He saves her the only way he can -- by offering a marriage of convenience.

After only one night together, Percy returns to his naval command...and Maresa becomes the woman she was destined to be. Learning that Percy's life is in danger at the hands of the French, she risks her own life to save him -- and to give him something he has always given her: unwavering love. But is it too late?