Second Chance Manor Series by Caroline Lee

Miss Olive L’arbre is doomed by the curse of comparison: Unlike the rest of her talented siblings, she possesses nothing which sets her apart. Her singing voice has been likened to a cat stuck in a well, she cannot ride worth a damn, and the less said about her ill-fated attempt at watercolors, the better. In fact, the only thing which might be considered a talent is her indefatigable search for knowledge, especially when it comes to her passion for the ancient Romans... moreMiss Olive L’arbre is doomed by the curse of comparison: Unlike the rest of her talented siblings, she possesses nothing which sets her apart. Her singing voice has been likened to a cat stuck in a well, she cannot ride worth a damn, and the less said about her ill-fated attempt at watercolors, the better. In fact, the only thing which might be considered a talent is her indefatigable search for knowledge, especially when it comes to her passion for the ancient Romans.In fact, that quest is what caused her to accept the invitation from her former teacher, the Countess Fangfoss, to attend the summer house party for her students who have as yet not managed to attain the lauded goal of marriage. Olive has no need to marry, but the party contains other attractions for a woman such as she...mainly, the Roman ruins on the Fangfoss estate. Hopefully, she’ll learn enough from the archeological dig there to have one of her papers published, which might allow her the chance to travel to study other ruins.Unfortunately, for her dream (but huzzah for her desires!), her studies are interrupted by the most intriguing set of legs in plaid.Phineas Prince might be the son of a laird, but he’s devoted his life to travel and archeological study. When his sister receives an invitation to attend the Fangfoss house party, Phin jumps at the opportunity to chaperone her...not because of any love of propriety, but because the Fangfoss estate is the home to an archeological dig which might—at long last—allow him to complete his quest to find a particular artifact.He just didn’t count on the distraction of a beautiful pair of eyes, hiding the most stimulating mind. When Olive offers to help him on his quest, he can’t say no. Although he’s attending the party as a chaperone, he’s suddenly in danger of compromising his stimulating research partner...and he doesn’t mind one bit! less

Lady Raina Oliphant might be the daughter of a powerful Highland earl, but polite society wants nothing to do with her, thanks to the illegitimate son she bore five years ago. She wouldn’t trade wee Ewan for all the parties and musicales in the world, but when her old teacher, the Countess of Fangfoss, invites her and her five dearest friends to a summer house party, Raina can’t resist the chance to see her chums again... moreLady Raina Oliphant might be the daughter of a powerful Highland earl, but polite society wants nothing to do with her, thanks to the illegitimate son she bore five years ago. She wouldn’t trade wee Ewan for all the parties and musicales in the world, but when her old teacher, the Countess of Fangfoss, invites her and her five dearest friends to a summer house party, Raina can’t resist the chance to see her chums again. She brings Ewan along, as a reminder to herself and everyone else that she’s not going to play their silly matchmaking games… And it works.Until the day she takes her son swimming and meets a handsome and mysterious stranger, enjoying the water with his son. What harm could there be in having some fun with the man who refuses to tell her his full name or rank? And if he thinks the worst of her…well, that could be fun too!The Duke of Cashingham has no time for frivolities, but he’s given his heir, Matthew, his word that he’ll make an effort to find a second wife. Thus, he has made a point of attending the Fangfoss affair to meet each eligible lady, and has been disappointed. But when he meets an intriguing—and obviously easy-virtued—Scottish lady by the river, he sees no harm in suggesting an informal liaison.But the more time Cash spends with her, the more he realizes Raina is exactly the sort of woman he wants for a wife. Too bad a Duke can’t marry his doxy…It’s up to mischievous Ewan and studious Matthew to convince their parents not only are they in love, but they have a chance at a Happily Ever After…before the end of the house party! less