Diona and a Dalmatian

Sir Hereward Grantley is angry, as usual. A bad tempered man withlittle to commend him, he is determined that his niece, the orphanedDiona, will understand the great favour he has done by offering her ahome. Never missing an opportunity to mention Diona?s penniless status and dependency, her uncle is an arrogant bully.Diona, aghast atbeing thrust into a world of unkindness and bullish behaviour afterthe love in her parent?s home, mourns their loss and clings to thelast thing that her popular, horse-loving papa gave her ? belovedDalmatian, Sirius.But no misdemeanor is safe from the meanattentions of Sir Grantley, especially when his sly son Simon is there to pour fuel onto the fire. So when Sirius accidently breaks anornament, Simon sees his opportunity to avenge Diona for rejecting his fumbled attempts to grab a kiss, by telling his father that the dogis a menace and should be shot.Traumatised at the thought oflosing her dog, Diona decides that she can no longer take the miseryof Grantley Hall and flees. Scared, but certain that fate is guidingher to safety she seeks refuge with the handsome Marquis of Irchester. A confirmed bachelor and friend of the Prince of Wales, theMarquis has become used to a life of pleasure amongst the Beau Mondefollowing the privations of the war in which he distinguished himself. A prized catch amongst Society debutantes and wealthy widows alike,he has so far managed to evade being trapped, whilst enjoying thecompanionship of some of the most beautiful women in London.Butwhen touchingly innocent, educated and ethereal Diona begs him for ajob, she provokes protective feelings in the Marquis that he didn?trealise he had. Accepting her wish to remain anonymous, he admires her determination to save her beloved dog, and swears to prevent anyoneharming her or Sirius.But can Diona remain anonymous once heruncle starts looking for her? And just how far will the Marquis go toprotect a girl he doesn?t know? As fate throws Diona an unexpectedwild card the pressure is on and faith, loyalty and true love will all be tested to the ultimate limits.