The Valiant Viscount

Formerly published as 'The Pugilist Peer'. Lucius, Viscount Rokemere, is shocked to discover his late father has gambled away the family fortune, and even more shocked by the suggestion his agent makes; marry a wealthy girl. Rather than become a fortune-hunter, Lucius recruits the aid of family members to help him become a bare-knuckle fighter. He hopes to recoup the family fortunes by betting on himself. Shortly after starting his new career, Lucius rescues Amaryllis, the daughter of a rich industrialist, who was being abducted. Lucius quickly falls in love with the heiress of his agent's dreams and Amaryllis has fallen in love with him. Lucius' successes in the ring earn him with an enemy, who also desires to marry his heiress. And the social round in the London Season might be more fraught with danger than the fighting ring. Fortunately Amaryllis is as level headed and practical as Lucius, and together they face plots and intrigue with insouciance.