The Harlow Hoyden

Miss Emma Harlow hasnt earned the reputation as a hoyden for nothing, so when the Duke of Trent discovers her in his conservatory stealing one of his orchids, hes isnt surprisedcharmed, delighted and puzzled, yes, but not surprised. It is Emma who is amazed. She has naturally concluded that the man reading in the conservatory must be the country cousin (who else in London would actually read?) and is quite vexed to discover that he is the Duke of Trent himselfimagine, stealing the dukes prize Rhyncholaelia digbyana under his very nose! But her vexation doesnt last long. For Emma is a practical young lady with a mission: to end her dear sister Lavinias engagement to the villainous (and dreadfully dull!) Sir Waldo Windbourne, and she thinks that the famous libertine is just the man for the job. If he would only seduce her sister away from Sir Waldo. Well, not seduce exactly, but flirt mercilessly and engage her interest. Perhaps then Lavinia would jilt the baron. The Duke of Trent is [...]resistant, of course. Despite his reputation, he does not toy with the affections of innocents. And besides, its not her sister he longs to seduce.