Description
Stockton Ranch, Texas, 1891 Business woman Regina Stockton-Davenport is visited by an old friend, David Moreland, along with two other men introduced to her as Simon Trent, the Duke of Sutherworth and Jordan Cavanaugh,the Earl of Ravensly. Regina and the duke take an instant dislike to each other. The three have come to inform Reggie that a man employed by her English company, Davenport Limited, whom she though had died an accidental death was in fact murdered. The young man was the duke's cousin and his reason for being here. Reggie wonders why she'd been told a lie. The duke's proposal is marriage to him so he can claim the company as his own to investigate the murder of his cousin. Later he informs here they would be divorded. Simon thinks the dirty and dusty trouser clad Regina Stockton-Davenport is anything but a lady and cannot see how she could be transformed into a duchess. Reggie thinks the duke is a pompous ass and declines his marriage proposal after an attempt on her life. Reggie is not sure if the attempt is because of some recent cattle rustling on the ranch or the visitors from England. Reggie packs up her younger sister Annabel and her Aunt Sophia to leave for England to learn the truth about the young man's death. Taking her private railroad car to New York with the three men tagging along, Reggie, Annabel and Aunt Sophia discuss their plans for their stay in England. When Simon see's the exquisitely clad females that board the ship to England he has to rethink is original opinion about Regina and wonders how he will set things right between them. With another attempt on her life onboard the ship her sister and aunt want her to reconsider the duke's proposal and leave the investigating to the men. As things heat up between them, Simon wonders if there is a way to keep this unusual woman forever.
Chapter One
