The Only Charity — Sara Seale

The great love of Christy Tavener's life was Fairmile the gracious country house which was her family home. But would her crotchety but loveable grandfather, last of the Taveners, leave it to her in his will? Or did he disapprove too strongly of her modern ways and refusal to settle down and produce heirs to follow him?

Christy realized that she ought to marry, if only to safeguard herself against Sir Harry's nurse, who seemed quiet and demure enough but who, Christy was sure, would not object to marrying her patient and becoming mistress of Fairmile herself. A lean, dark stranger was willing to help, but he was something of an enigma -- and an infuriating enigma, too. Where did he come from -- and why did be bear that name?

Hero: Josiah "Joss"
Heroine: Christobel "Christy" Tavener