title: The Duke's Mistress
author: Stewart, Lois
description: In love's battle of wills, may the best lord -- or lady -- win!
  
  SHE FOUGHT A DUKE... AND WON
  
  The unmitigated gall! Jonathan Rayner, Duke of Alverly, might indeed own half the county--but it didn't grant him the right to rule it with an iron fist! Hilary Vane was determined to succeed in her daringly advanced plan to open a school for the young ladies of Wycombe Valley, despite the Duke's high-banded objections. The country lasses bad much to learn from the city-bred schoolmistress... as did the splendidly handsome Duke himself. For much as be infuriated her, Hilary could not help but be intrigued by the enigmatic, strangely solitary nobleman who made her heart beat a little faster every time be happened near...
  
  HE FOUGHT HIS HEART... AND LOST
  
  The blasted luck of it! The last thing his tenant farmers needed was a frippery finishing school headed by a young lady with foolish, high-minded notions. Still, the Duke couldn't deny that she was indeed lovely... and possessed of a certain spirit and charm that were rapidly thawing his cold, lonely heart. But his shameful secret prevented him from pursuing the delectable Miss Vane in a conventional manner. Therefore, if taking her to wife could never be, the resourceful Duke would have to come up with an alternate scheme. But either way, be reasoned, she would be his!
  
  Hero: Jonathan Rayner, Duke of Alverly
  Heroine: Hilary Vane