A Curious Proposal — Freda Michel

"I CAN'T MARRY YOU" SAID YOUNG LORD TRISTRAM

Lovely Francesca Northwood sought refuge on a park bench when her spendthrift fiance told her their wedding was off.

She appeared to be inconsolable until an elderly stranger approached her and promised her a new life--in the lap of luxury and ease, as the wife of a titled gentleman.

It was the answer to her fervent prayers--to be someone's beloved wife, mistress of a great estate, adored by all.

Francesca felt she had nothing to lose -- until she met the man who was to be her husband. Suddenly she knew she had been trapped into a strange and dangerous marriage....