An Onerous Duty

Major Harry Sterling is now the Duke of Ranliegh and must marry and sire an heir, but his soldier instincts lead him to a web of treachery and the possibility that his brother's death was no accident.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Allison & Busby

London, 1802. Major Harry Sterling has left behind his regiment following the death of his father and, in quick succession, his older brother. The responsibilities that come with being Duke of Ranliegh now fall to him, including marrying and siring an heir without delay. However, Harry finds himself distracted from looking for a wife when his soldier instincts lead him to a web of treachery and the possibility that his brother's death was no accident. As his investigation unfolds, so Harry's search for a wife continues. Surely, the eldest Winslow girl, the wilful Isabella, wouldn't be right at all.

The Duke of Ranliegh's Quest for a Wife

In the bustling city of London, amidst the grandeur of the 1800s, Major Harry Sterling finds himself at a crossroads. The loss of his father and older brother has left him with the daunting responsibility of becoming the Duke of Ranliegh. However, his quest for a wife is temporarily overshadowed by a web of treachery and a nagging suspicion that his brother's death was not an accident.

Driven by his soldier's instincts, Harry delves into the depths of investigation, determined to unravel the truth behind his brother's demise. As he navigates through a labyrinth of lies and deceit, Harry's search for a wife takes an unexpected turn. He finds himself drawn to the eldest Winslow girl, Isabella, known for her wilful nature and independent spirit.

Isabella, however, presents a challenge to Harry's plans. She is fiercely independent, unyielding in her beliefs, and fiercely protective of her family. Despite her prickly exterior, Harry cannot help but be captivated by her charm and intelligence. As they spend more time together, Harry begins to see beyond Isabella's stubbornness and discovers a depth of character that surprises him.

But as their relationship progresses, Harry faces obstacles that test their compatibility. The Duke of Ranliegh's position demands a wife who can be a loyal companion and a strong ally, but Isabella's independent nature may prove to be a hindrance. She questions the traditional roles of women and challenges the expectations of society.

Harry must navigate the delicate balance between his duty to his family and his desire for a wife who aligns with his values. He must decide whether to conform to societal expectations or to embrace the unconventional nature of Isabella and risk the wrath of those who oppose their union.

As the investigation unfolds, Harry discovers that his brother's death was not an accident but a result of a complex plot orchestrated by those who sought to gain control of the Duke's estate. He must confront his enemies and protect his family from further harm.

In the end, Harry must make a difficult decision. He must choose between his duty to his family and his love for Isabella. He must decide whether to conform to societal expectations or to follow his heart and embrace the unconventional nature of the woman he has grown to love.

The story of Harry Sterling's quest for a wife is a tale of resilience, determination, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It explores the complexities of relationships, the power of love, and the sacrifices that one must make to pursue their dreams. Through his journey, Harry learns that true happiness comes not from fulfilling societal expectations but from embracing the person who truly understands and complements him.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 143 x 224 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780749029500