Patrick’s Arrangement by Penny Fairbanks

She must provide for both herself and her sickly mother—driving her into a potentially dangerous situation.

He has no plans to marry—until he proposes to a complete stranger to save her from a devastating fate.
Will their convenient engagement blossom into real love?
Miss Eloise Beaufort moved to England when she was a child, seeking better opportunities. Instead, she found herself working to the bone as a seamstress just to survive and pay for her mother’s medical needs.
When a man with money offers to marry Eloise and solve all her financial worries, she is sorely tempted to accept. No matter how hard she works, Eloise knows that it can be taken away in an instant. But can she stomach a marriage to a cruel husband? Or has life stolen all her options once again?

Mr. Patrick Harcourt has finally achieved his dream to work as an examiner of plays—asistant examiner for now. Because he lives modestly, Patrick has never planned to marry. Unfortunately, his superior’s arrogant daughter has grown rather fond of him. When Patrick meets a young seamstress on the verge of accepting a terrible fate, he offers himself instead. They strike a unique arrangement that will rid them both of their unwanted pursuers.
Can Eloise hope to find love after a lifetime of hardships?
Can Patrick allow himself to envision a future with the right woman?