Escaping the Scurrilous Earl by Lydia Pembroke

A merchant’s daughter, a lonely physician, a thoroughly unscrupulous Earl, a debt called in, an impossible choice, an escape, a threat, a rescue, and a new love found.
Miss Lily Althrop was happy, assisting with her father’s business, until a new investor made unwelcome suggestions to her. Faced with the choice of sacrificing herself, or her family, Lily sacrifices herself – leading to a flight from all she knows.

Cedric Sharpton, Physician in the town of Upper Nettlefold, is dedicated to his work – but lonely. When the boarding house owner calls on him to help her newest employee, he sees the chance for love. Until lies are revealed, and his trust is destroyed.

Will the Earl who drove Lily to flee in the first place destroy her yet? Will the physician find a way to save her? Will the terrible truth of her past destroy their love?