Books like The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice

John Fitzhugh Wyckerly, a handsome and mathematically gifted younger son, has long lived beyond the expectations of his aristocratic family, relying on gambling winnings to sustain a governor’s lifestyle. When the death of his elder brother makes him the seventh Earl of Danecroft, he inherits a decaying manor and crippling debts. Determined to protect his lineage, John reclaims his illegitimate daughter, Penelope, and sets off for London in search of a rich bride to secure the family fortune. At the same time, Abigail Merriweather, a rural farmwoman, has been left quiet since she lost custody of her four younger half‑siblings. A chance visit by the roguish Fitz—along with his defiant daughter—brightens her world. Though his manners are questionable and his parenting doubtful, Abigail finds herself drawn to his directness. When she seeks a partner to help restore her children to their home, Fitz reappears, and together they face the challenges of financial ruin, societal expectations, and the possibility of an unlikely yet fated romance.

First publish date: 2010