Poor Caroline — Elizabeth Mansfield

HOW SHE DETESTED THOSE WORDS...

"Poor Caroline..." Orphaned and penniless at twelve, Caroline Whitlow had heard that phrase far too often. Taken in by her Uncle Clement, she'd made herself useful by running the household quite competently, and now, at twenty-four, she intends never to be pitied again...

But after her uncle's death, Caroline learns that Clement's heir is on his way to Crittenden Grange. Kit Meredith, embittered by the war, is anxious to return to England...and enjoy some peace and quiet on his estate. It's not his intent to drive Caroline out into the cold - but the fiercely independent young beauty would rather starve than accept the charity of this arrogant stranger!

By the time he arrives, she has fled. But it will take more than an invitation to bring Caroline back to the Grange. It will take scheming, deceit - and love...