Miss Maria Garten had one more season till she was firmly on the shelf.One. More.It was her only chance, because while some ladies could pretend or sincerely be at peace with the life of spinster.She was not among their ranks.Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself once more to think before she spoke. It shouldn't be difficult.Except that it was, for her at least.Because the only thing more certain than her potential future as a spinster was that Mr. Sheppard was a confirmed bachelor.A rake of the first order.Not the kind that would ruin an innocent, but the kind that would charm them, seduce her with his charming words, make her fall in love with the legendary smile and easy manner that was as easy as breathing.And then he'd walk away to find a new distraction.Utterly unaware that he had broken a few hearts in the process.Maria refused to be counted among them.She needed a husband, not a distraction.After all, friendship was far less complicated.Wasn't it?