MARGARET WILKINS

Her father loses their fortune and estate gambling and disappears. The last opponent he lost big to was a nobleman named Develin, and Thea’s father even gambled away her dowry. Thea shows up at Develin’s home and resolutely offers him a deal. “Please marry me.” Can he turn down this sudden proposal? Thea is fraught with unease, but Develin unexpectedly embraces her and steals a kiss. Could they really be together as man and wife, or does a miserable marriage await her?