She'd fallen.
And the duke, for entirely pragmatic reasons, would catch her.

Noah Winters, Duke of Anselm, needs a wife, and Lady Thea should make a good, obedient duchess. Noah prides himself on his practicality, so he's dismayed when his engagement to Lady Thea embroils him in nothing but trouble. Is he courting a duchess of convenience or a ducal disaster?

Lady Thea has fallen on hard times, and accepts His Grace's proposal because he shows every indication of being a distant and manageable husband. When the duke intrudes into every aspect of Thea's life, and adds humor, tenderness, and passionate kisses to their bargain, Thea must take His Grace firmly in hand...

Grace Burrowes is terrific!--Julia Quinn
Smart, sexy, and oh-so-romantic--Mary Balogh
Exquisitely crafted, intensely memorable.--Library Journal STARRED REVIEW