A gentleman spy courts danger with a determined wallflower...Samuel Langford, Earl of Bentham, enjoys his reputation as a rake, even if his devil-may-care attitude is carefully cultivated. Miss Patricia Leaver finds him exasperating, although he is as good a friend to her as her brother is. The three of them have been allies for years, and their closeness allows them a freedom of expression that is rare between men and women of the ton.So when Samuel is called upon to apprehend a jewel thief, it seems the most natural thing in the world to embroil Patricia in his cunning ruse. She is enthusiastic at the prospect of an adventure. But Dominic, her brother, is less than overjoyed at the proposal, especially as it requires a fake engagement that could leave Patricia at the mercy of society gossips.When the escapade rapidly escalates into danger on the high seas, all three have reason to question the wisdom of this undertaking. As Samuel and Patricia play out their deception, they soon recognise that their feelings are deeper than mere friendship, which is reinforced when Samuel’s life is hanging in the balance.Patricia must decide if she can truly bear to love a confirmed rake, and Samuel will need every weapon in his arsenal to convince her of his fidelity. The earl is thoroughly beguiled, and he needs his lady to be equally enchanted.But to do that, he must first stay alive...The Country House Romantic MysteriesPersuading the EarlBeguiling the EarlCaptivating the Earl