The duke, his heir and a young lady who looks oddly familiar… just who is sending seemingly random strangers to the duke? Mr Richard Merrington, country gentleman, has lived in the shadow of the Duke of Brinshire for his whole life. Now the duke’s last son has died and Richard is summoned to Staineybank to take his place as the duke’s heir. His comfortable life of obscurity is at an end, and his first duty is to marry. The noble ladies on offer leave him cold, so what is he to do? Miss Rowena Holt has been left impoverished by her father’s death, and must seek work as a governess or companion. It’s a dispiriting prospect, but when a letter arrives inviting her to the Duke of Brinshire’s house, it seems her fortunes have taken a turn for the better. But when she arrives, the residents react with shock… This is a complete story with a happy ever after. A traditional Regency romance, drawing room rather than bedroom. Prequel to a 6 book series.