Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland has tasked his steadfast secretary Penelope Pettypeace with finding him his future Duchess, but increasingly becomes distracted by Pettypeace as he realizes what finding a wife will do to *their* relationship.

Pettypeace herself has secretly loved the Duke for most of her employment with him, but has kept it carefully hidden away like the leather notebook in her secret pocket. She'll find him his duchess AND will start considering finding some companionship of her own, even if it is just anonymous liaisons at the new club for second sons and commoner women.

But when a secret blackmail letter reveals both Pettypeace and King have secrets, their search for a Duchess is put on pause and gives them an opportunity to try a short term arrangement, for just giving into their sexual tension.

This was fun and swoony, the secrets bit was a little overwrought but I enjoyed the character development!

CW: exploitation of a minor

Spoiler

Pettypeace, to pay the bills and take care of her family, agrees to pose for nude photos when she's very young, a child. She is threatened by the villain in the story to expose her secrets to the Duke and society.

, drinking, fighting