Candace Camp, The Marriage Wager

In London, widow Lady Francesca Haughton insists that she can insure that any young lady will be engaged by the end of the season. Her pal Lord Sinclair bets her she cannot, but he insists that he chooses the chit. Confident to the point of arrogant cockiness Francesca accepts his wager and terms.

Sinclair picks spinster Constance "the Nobody" Woodley, who lives with her uncle ever since her father died. Her season is simple; she will chaperone her spoiled cousins while they have seasons. Thus when Francesca takes an interest in her with the desire to sponsor her, Constance cannot fathom why this elegant lady would want to be seen with a Nobody. However, although expecting a price to pay, Constance decides not to worry as she enjoys the galas she suddenly attends as a participant. When she meets Lord Dominic Leighton, she falls in love, but knows her sponsor's brother is as out of her league as Francesca is.

The first Matchmaker tale is an amusing amiable Regency romance that readers will enjoy although the story line is somewhat typical of the sub-genre except perhaps for Francesca willing to wager against men. The lead couple is a Cinderella-Prince Charming match-up that will enthral fans with its improbable yet realistic courtship (no mice or fairy godmothers of course) as the Nobody and the rake fall in love. Candace Camp fans know she is a sure bet to provide an entertaining historical.