Only Love — Louisa Trent

Budding artist Ellen Fallon suspects art dealer Vincent Brandt cheated her out of a fortune from the sale of her deceased father's paintings.

Now to prove it!

For the past five years, Vincent has observed Ellen's artistic progress from afar. His professional interest turns to concern, however, when an opportunist unworthy of her affections begins to court her. But as much as Vincent wishes to save Ellen from making the biggest mistake of her young life by confessing his own love for her, he cannot, for he too is unworthy of her affections.

Vincent's reputation is tarnished. His many debauched dalliances with loose women attest to his unsuitability to respectably ask for Ellen's hand in marriage. And then there is the no small matter of people whispering that the widower killed his first wife...