Laura Pendleton, the renowned matchmaker of high society.

She believed this latest request — to find a match for Ian Dalton, a prime bachelor and wealthy landowner — would be plain sailing.

At least, until she met the man wrapped in nothing but obstinance.

“You must’ve heard. Just how much trouble my sister went through to drag me here.”

A straight nose and eyes radiating refined grace. Miss Pendleton thought.

‘With a face like that, he could whisk away any lady in a carriage to his estate.’

And soon enough, she realised just how accurate her assessment was.

“Are you telling me to marry someone else right now?”

His handsome face twisted ever so slightly before he spoke again.

“Marry me, Miss Pendleton.”

A finely cut diamond ring shimmered in the light.

Held out to Laura Pendleton, an old maid of twenty-nine.