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

“Thank you, Edward,” he said, “for keeping me company. I’ll think back on this night fondly because of you.”


Edward jumped to his feet when Dalton reached the door, his hand landing on Dalton’s shoulder to keep him from opening it.


“What if I could help?” Edward asked. “What if…what if wemarried instead?”


Eyes growing and jaw dropping, several emotions ran across Dalton’s face. They were hard to catch, but surprise seemed the most dominant. Edward even surprised himself, but he could not take the words back and wouldn’t even if he could.


“Well, it’s…it’s logical, isn’t it? Rational. A sensible solution. Taking a husband will be good for the estate as well and, after tonight you’ll be seen as sympathetic, but this’ll keep your reputation intact.”


Face falling a fraction, Dalton nibbled his lip and shook his head. “You’re proposing marriage because it’s the sensible solution?”


Chapter 31