Desire and Deceit [bxb]

Alvin Frazier, an illegitimate son recently taken in by his Baron grandfather, is at the very last of the English nobility. He has no dreams or expectations of ever making a suitable match, much less a love match. All he has is his critical outlook on life and his love for painting, and coming from a background of poverty, he sincerely wants nothing more. It only took the most uneventful ball of the season to change his life forever. When the most eligible catch of the ton knocks on his door, asking for his hand, he finds the gentleman just a little bit suspicious.

Being a widow of over five years, Duke Presley did not consider himself eager to marry again. That was, until his eyes set upon a certain young man loitering around in a dead-boring ball, stuck to the walls. An enquiry was made, a letter was written, and Lord Presley finds himself at Baron Frazier's doorstep, asking for his grandson's hand in marriage. He expected a ready and most grateful acceptance but is thoroughly shocked to be met with resistance. Not to ever be denied however, he sets out to charm the object of all his desires. And what Lord Presley wants, he gets.

And so, begins a tedious and apprehensive period of courtship filled with barely contained lust and heated glances. But what should have been easily the most famous love match of the season, may turn into a farce, especially when one of the two parties is holding a grave secret.

Or where Alvin's fate is sealed with a single glance from Lord Presley.