The Matchmaker's Match
The Marriage UltimatumHe has three months to find a wife–or lose his estate. Spencer, Lord Ashwhite, doubts he'll find a suitable bride among the ton, until the unconventional Lady Amelia Baxley agrees to provide a list of candidates. It should be an ideal arrangement, were Spencer not growing attached to the one woman Amelia refuses to consider as a prospect: herself.Independence means everything to Amelia, who has been burned in love before. The charming marquis is quickly putting her entire life in turmoil, and controlling her stubborn heart has never been such a challenge. But does the ever-practical Amelia dare to go from bride-finder to wife?
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The Marriage Ultimatum
He has three months to find a wifeâor lose his estate. Spencer, Lord Ashwhite, doubts heâll find a suitable bride among the ton, until the unconventional Lady Amelia Baxley agrees to provide a list of candidates. It should be an ideal arrangement, were Spencer not growing attached to the one woman Amelia refuses to consider as a prospect: herself.
Independence means everything to Amelia, who has been burned in love before. The charming marquis is quickly putting her entire life in turmoil, and controlling her stubborn heart has never been such a challenge. But does the ever-practical Amelia dare to go from bride-finder to wife?
âDo you know who I am, Lord Ashwhite?â
He grinned at her, showcasing a spectacular set of ivory teeth. âI see a lady in need of a dance. They say exercise can relieve many ailments, including a corset that has been overly starched.â
She tucked back a gasp at his outrageous comment and focused on the most pertinent point. âMy lord, I do not dance, and since you are not aware of my status in the ton, let me inform you that I am most firmly on the shelf.â
âThis means you may not dance?â
âA lady always knows her place,â she repeated, feeling an unnerving heat creep through her. Who was this man, and what right did he have to question her? âIf youâll excuse me, I must check on my cousin.â
âNot so fast.â
JESSICA NELSON believes romance happens every day and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story, daydreams about raspberry mochas or plans chocolate for dinner.
We love Him, because He first loved us.
â1 John 4:19
Thank you, Grandma Charlene Schwirtz, for supporting me in both word and action. Though youâve experienced terrible heartache in your life, you choose to laugh and to love. Youâre a blessing!
During one of my darkest times, Someone Special told me to surrender to God...best advice ever (for both myself and Amelia).
A giant thank-you goes out to Robert Lee Edwards Jr., because he showed me the beauty of companionship.
Many thanks to my editor Emily Rodmell, whose openness has given me a new book in print! Plus, she makes my stories better. Dear readers, please trust me on this.
And, of course, my heart is filled with gratitude to God. His gentleness never ends.
Contents
London, England 1815
Lady Amelia Baxley admired the male species. The way they looked, their scent, the way they walked as though they owned the worldâwhich everyone but man himself knows is a fabrication of the highest order. Yes, they were intriguing creatures to hunt.
Take this one. The new Lord Dudley looked positively dazed in Lady Havernâs ballroom. His thick brown locks framed a sweet, innocent face. If only Amelia could redirect his odd interest in her, heâd be perfect for Cousin Lydia.
Straightening her gown, which kept twisting due to her maidâs unfortunate antics with the needle, Amelia lifted her shoulders and tugged Lydiaâs arm. She strode toward the gentleman in question with Lydia in tow. An easy quarry this time. She smiled to herself as she adjusted her spectacles against the ridge of what sheâd been told was quite an extraordinary nose.
âMy lord,â she said above the noise of the Beau Monde. âHave you been introduced to Miss Lydia Stanley?â
âMadam.â He bowed, and Cousin Lydia responded with a lovely curtsy.
Things were going quite to plan. Smiling, Amelia pointed to Lydiaâs dance card. âI believe Miss Lydia has a spot open for the next dance. A quadrille, I presume?â
âYou are indeed correct.â Lydia giggled and proceeded to fan herself in a vigorous fashion. Amelia cleared her throat, and Lydia stopped. Thankfully.
A blush rose to Lord Dudleyâs face. Naturally he realized the prime position he was in as the new master of a prosperous earldom. Many hopeful misses would set their caps for him this Season. But Amelia was determined he give her impoverished cousin a chance. Yes, Lydia could be opinionated, but her looks were outstanding and her manner charming, if at times not quite impeccable. She deserved a good husband, one who would take care of her and her family.
Amelia gave the young earl a pointed look. His face reddened even more before he stuttered out an invitation. The music started, and the two made for the floor.
