The paid companion
(Book)

The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman: his intentions are purely practical. He needs a fiancé to keep the husband-hunting ladies of the town at bay while he goes about his business. His simple solution is to hire a paid companion and Miss Elenora Lodge appears to be the perfect candidate. Lenoras sorry financial circumstances convince her to accept St. Merryn's generous if somewhat scandalous offer. But the Earl soon discovers that the meek and mild companion he'd initially envisioned has become a partner in his quest to catch a killer - and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a bothersome passion in his practical heart.