The Poor Relation

OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Petite, unassuming Kate suspected that her beaux would really prefer to pay court to her beautiful, spirited younger sister -- especially dashing Captain Mark Verelst, the man Kate secretly loved. Even when Mark offered for her, Kate was sure she was his second choice -- and turned him down. The idea of swimming in the social seas in her fashionable sister's wake was too appalling; she'd just stay in the background, where she belonged. And where she didn't have to deal with the torment of being held in Mark's arms and wishing the desire in his eyes was really meant for her.

INTO THE SUNSHINE
Mark Verelst's regiment would soon be on its way back to death or glory with Wellington's army. He didn't have much time to win the hand of the maddeningly aloof Kate. To pretend to be carrying a torch for her sister seemed the best way to get her attention at first, but now his strategy had backfired. It would take all of his considerable romantic expertise to persuade Kate that she deserved far more than a hidden life as The Poor Relation

Hero: Captain Mark Verelst
Heroine: Kate Verelst