His Damsel

This title originally appeared in the anthology My Fair Regency.

During her annual visit to Bartholomew Fair, Eliza Cranstoun is mistaken for a lady in distress, when in fact she is attempting to avenge the honor of her cousin. Now, she insists Anthony Ripley, her savior, help her bring down a lordly scoundrel. It won't be easy, and it might require eating an unseemly amount of gingerbread, but a woman does what she must when an innocent young lady has been harmed. Brazen and unaccustomed to compromise, Eliza doesn't see much point in men or marriage. Until she finds herself unexpectedly attracted to Anthony's patient, steady strength.

Anthony Ripley, printer and publisher, knows the ways of the ton all too well. Stung once, he has no intention of agreeing to Eliza Cranstoun's outrageous plan to ruin a viscount. How foolish of him to underestimate her. Soon enough he's embroiled in her scheme, and he realizes that the lady's formidable exterior hides a loyal and steadfast heart, albeit a lonely one.

As their plan comes together with the help of friends, the independent Eliza and the confirmed bachelor Anthony, discover that love finds even those who choose not to seek it.