Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2) by Halley Larkin

Arabella Brightley never wanted to be the lady of a grand house. But when her eldest sister marries and leaves England, Bella takes on that role. At least for now. With a male cousin set to inherit Cortwood Manor, Bella focuses on her youngest sister’s forthcoming first season: a task for which she is ill-prepared. The shyest of the Brightley sisters, Bella has occupied her time with novels, sewing, and dabbling in her late mother’s mysterious book of herbal remedies and family folklore. 

While a suitable match for Rosalind is imperative, Bella plans to remain alone. The man she loved, the Duke of Rigby’s son, disappeared while riding across Hampstead Heath to see her at Cortwood. Convinced her romantic life has been cursed, Bella fears any gentleman who loves her will meet a similar fate. 

Until the night he returns. 

Thomas Beecham has spent the past year in service, paying off a debt his father incurred to the steel-willed Lord Trenholm. Thomas has allowed Bella to assume he is dead for her safety, but his desire has never faded. So when an opportunity to reveal himself presents itself, Thomas can’t resist, even as he continues to keep his worst secrets from her. For Thomas Beecham is not who Bella thinks. And the truth could destroy any chance he had of winning her back.