The Bastard Lord — Temple Hogan

When a roguish Lord meets a borderline spinster, the rules have never been so easy to break!

Caroline Knowles' debut into the society of the ton was a success, and she should have made a brilliant marriage. But her father, who had gambled away his family's wealth, title and lands, commits suicide and leaves Caroline destitute. Friends who once welcomed her into their homes now turn her away -- all save Lord Richard Ashton who helps her build a specialized position as a consultant to future young debutantes. When Lord Richard asks Caroline to coach Lord Edmund Fenshaw, illegitimate son of William Fanshaw, Earl of Dunsden, she can hardly refuse. When she arrives at Fanshaw Manor, she is both drawn to and repelled by the impatient, magnetic new Earl.

Though finally acknowledged by his father, enabling him to inherit the Fanshaw fortune and titles, Edmund is nonetheless bitter of his life thus far as a bastard. Yet, he knows he must learn the lessons of a lord if he's to make the most of his new title and leave a legacy for his own children that will be better than his own. When Caroline arrives to help with his refinement, he is uncooperative but finds himself drawn to the beautiful and innocent young woman. They become lovers, and he is caught up in a deadly conspiracy that threatens all he holds dear.