An Elaborate Hoax — Shirley Marks

Now that she's seen her three nieces -- daughters of the Duke of Faraday -- successfully married off, Mrs. Penelope “Penny” Parker finds herself adrift. But the lovely widow is not without purpose for long. Wealthy bachelor David Cavanaugh is in desperate need of a pretend wife -- and he's convinced that Penny would be perfect for the role.

Risking scandal and her good reputation, Penny agrees to accompany David to the country and play the part of his blushing bride in order to make his grandmother's final days more restful. She vows to do anything to appear part of a loving couple -- even if that means going along with David's seven-year ruse about his fictional family.

But Penny and David's game of make-believe starts feeling all too real. Has Penny found a match of her very own? Or will she and David be parted forever once the curtain comes down on their show of romance?