No one's ever expected much from Dalton Irving, the reserved, sheltered, and bookish heir to the family fortune. So in order to secure their place in London's society, the Irvings have arranged for Dalton to marry the brother of a viscount. A man who comes from a family with a title and with quite the scandalous reputation. A man Dalton doesn't know. A man who's very publicly announced that he doesn't want to get married, least of all to Dalton, right in the middle of their engagement ball. In an attempt to flee whispered words and sudden gossip and unexpected hurt from venomous words, Dalton finds comfort from the very last person he would have expected -- the wry, reclusive, and unsocial Edward Whitman, Duke of Wellingham. Edward Whitman doesn't like most people on his best days. They're dull and predictable and care only about money and status. Tonight, however, is the engagement ball for his best friend's brother, so he'll make an appearance to assure the night's success even if the idea of anyone marrying young Dalton Irving puts a strange ache in the pit of his stomach. But after Dalton's intended makes a mess of the ball, Edward suddenly finds himself alone with the young man, drawn to his wide-eyed curiosity and kindhearted generosity, his rambling and odd musings. Neither of them can imagine what this evening has in store for anyone, and all it takes is one night in London to change everything.

One Night in London: Dalton and Edward

Dalton stepped into the room. Browsed the shelves, fingertips skimming across the books, and selected one. A gothic thriller. A passionate romance. A warning of playing God. One of his favorites.


There was a desk with an oil lamp and a candelabra that would hold three candles. Two were in it right now, the one in the middle half melted already. Tallow candles, though, the ones in the ballroom were all wax. Book in hand, Dalton considered sitting there, but went to the sofa by the fire instead.


About to curl his legs under his body and settle on the seat to lose himself in a sea of words, Dalton noticed another book tucked in the corner of the sofa. He picked it up to see what it was and gasped a little, looking around as though he was about to be caught doing something he ought not to be doing.


Chapter 15