The Flirt — Marion Chesney

"IF I COULD HAVE FORESEEN THE FUTURE, I WOULD HAVE MARRIED THE FIRST MAN WHO ASKED ME!"

Tongues were set wagging when Elizabeth Markham's glamorous young parents were killed, sinking their only child to the unspeakable class of poor relation. Forced to live with her cruel, miserly uncle Julius, Elizabeth was forbidden to partake in the Season's festivities. Marriage could be her only escape, and she decided on a daring plan: she would trick her way into the Duke of Dunster's exclusive house party, to snare one of the eligible dandies sure to dance attendance on her.

Her plan proceeded swimmingly, as Elizabeth flirted with all but the arrogant Lord Charles Lufford, considered by the ton to be quite a catch. She ignored him thoroughly until her uncle discovered her deception and Charles saved her -- by announcing their engagement!

But Elizabeth's troubles were far from over, for in her absence she had come into an inheritance. And her uncle, along with one other sinister party, would rather see her perish than receive it...