Propositioned by a Lady

Lady Lydia Melior, a widow, is resigned to becoming someone's mistress. She'd prefer Lord Trout, but he is angry she wed the marquis instead of him. He doesn't know she didn't have a choice. Her family's gambling debts had to be paid. If not by her, then by her sister, Penelope. Hearing of her return to London, Lord Trout pretends he doesn't care. His friend, Lord Sterling, and his wife encourage Trout to attend Penelope's ball. At the dance, Lydia asks him to meet her the next day. When they meet she offers to become his mistress if he will give her a house and the money for her father. Lord Trout can't believe she'd ask him to ruin her. But, in time, he discovers her fears, and his love for her returns. Initially, she says no to his proposal, but he is determined to win her hand in marriage.