Occasion – The Illusions of a Beginner, Jennifer McQuiston, Emmanuelle Debon

Dearest Diary, BOOK 1 Clare is furious. Instead of dancing with the Duke of Harrington, from whom she expects a marriage proposal, she is forced to sit out the most exclusive ball of the season. All because of an ankle injury… Oblivious to her needs as a future duchess, Doctor Merial imposes a month of rest on her the very next day, even though the Season has just begun! He claims it's "for her own good," and his calm, protective demeanor, so different from the people she usually associates with, convinces her of his sincerity. But what does he know about her well-being? Doesn't he understand that she's letting a chance to escape her failing family slip away? Isolated, Clare can only wait for the doctor's daily visits and their unsettling closeness…