What lengths would a young lady go to in her pursuit of the perfect match? And how far would a gentleman go to stop her? Cassandra Effington is one of the most delicious debutantes to ever waltz across a London ballroom. But while her identical twin sister Delia is now wed, Cassandra is still unclaimed, and everyone agrees her standards are entirely too high. So how could she possibly lose a most unseemly wager with the handsome, scandalous Viscount Berkley? The proposition: She will find him an ideal bride well before he finds her the perfect match. But Lord Berkley intends to be very hard to please. He's already chosen the right woman, and no lady Cassandra puts forward to him will be perfect enough save the luscious Cassandra herself. And he'll do whatever it takes to make certain no gentleman he introduces her to is enticing enough, until she realizes that the perfect object in her pursuit of marriage is none other than the viscount himself. “Delightful...a charmingly told tale that illustrates that perfection isn’t all good manners and a beautiful face.” - Oakland Press What lengths would a young lady go to in her pursuit of the perfect match? And how far would a gentleman go to stop her? Cassandra Effington is one of the most delicious debutantes to ever waltz across a London ballroom. But while her identical twin sister Delia is now wed, Cassandra is still unclaimed, and everyone agrees her standards are entirely too high. So how could she possibly lose a most unseemly wager with the handsome, scandalous Viscount Berkley? The proposition: She will find him an ideal bride well before he finds her the perfect match. But Lord Berkley intends to be very hard to please. He's already chosen the right woman, and no lady Cassandra puts forward to him will be perfect enough save the luscious Cassandra herself. And he'll do whatever it takes to make certain no gentleman he introduces her to is enticing enough, until she realizes that the perfect object in her pursuit of marriage is none other than the viscount himself. #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was more fun than real life. She is the author of thirty-one novels, and her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Victoria lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her long-suffering husband and two dogs, in a house under endless renovation and never-ending chaos. The Pursuit of Marriage By Alexander, Victoria Avon Books ISBN: 006051762X Chapter One An independent, stubborn woman is surely God's revenge upon an unsuspecting mankind. L. Effington Spring 1821 "Do you see them yet?" Miss Cassandra Effingtonshielded her eyes against the late morning sun andgazed into the distance. "No." Anthony, Viscount St. Stephens, shook hishead. "Any minute now, I should think. As I understandit, the course is not overly long." "And did you wager a great deal on the outcome?"his wife, the former Miss Philadelphia Effington -- Delia to her closest friends -- said coolly. "Not a great deal." He chuckled and slanted her anamused glance. "Did you?" "Nothing of significance." Delia grinned. "Andonly with Cassie, so it scarcely counts." "It most certainly does count," Cassie said firmly."I fully expect you to pay promptly when you lose." St. Stephens laughed. "Dare I ask which of you wageredon your brother and which chose LordBerkley?" "I, for one, would never wager against a member ofthe family." Delia's voice was firm. "Beyond that,Christian is an excellent rider with a fine eye forhorseflesh." "Christian is overly arrogant, although I daresay nomore so than Leo or Drew." Cassie rolled her gaze towardthe heavens. "It's a common trait among Effingtonmales and among our brothers in particular." St. Stephens raised a brow. "So you wagered onBerkley then?" "Most certainly." Cassie nodded. "It will do Christiana world of good to lose at something, anything.Besides, from what I have heard of this Lord Berkley,he is rash and reckless and something of a rake. Whilethose are not qualities I particularly look for, it seemsto me, if one is wagering on a contest of this nature,those unsavory attributes would be most beneficial." "Christian is rash and reckless and something of arake," Delia murmured. "Yes, but I am well acquainted with Christian andcannot bear the thought of how much more swaggeringhis step will be should he win. As I have never metLord Berkley, I don't give a fig as to the effect of victoryon his character." St. Stephens laughed. "Well said." Cassie grinned. Delia's brows drew together. "If you feel that way,Tony, why did you wager on Christian?" "You're making assumptions now, my love." St.Stephens's grin widened. "I see. You too are lacking in family loyalty. Verywell then." Delia's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps youwould care to place another wager on the outcome?" "I should indeed." A wicked light flashed in his eye."If I can set the stakes." Delia gazed