I can't believe it's been almost four years since my last Regency release. I would blame the time lag on my muse Endora, but she was on vacation then. (* cough * She's ALWAYS on vacation.)

This is a fun story that has not just one romance but three romances. Yes, three couples and three HEAs.

Declan Kerrick has been abroad for several months of every year replenishing the inheritance his father squandered. Now he's home for good, a wealthy man, ready to rekindle his romance with his wife, Philippa. He's also eager to find spouses for his son Theo and daughter Francesca. Unfortunately his children are resisting his plans for them.

Here's what he's up against:

Declan set his fork down, eager to quiz his son about last night's ball. "Your sister dispatched nearly all the men who approached her at the ball. Even though you warned me, it was still surprising to see."

"She must have been in a merciful mood," Theo replied. "There were fewer disgruntled men than usual after an event she's attended."

"And you. I'm certain I saw a line of young women waiting their turn, as if being presented at court."

Theo grinned. "I do not wish to dash anyone's hopes. At least not right away like Francesca does. Though I do let them know it is years still before I plan to marry."

Before he could reply, Francesca entered the breakfast parlor. She gave her father a kiss on the cheek and then frowned at Theo before filling a plate at the mahogany sideboard.

Theo chuckled, as if his sister's reaction was a customary part of his daily breakfast. 

"Did you enjoy the ball last evening?" Declan asked his daughter.

"It was pleasant," she answered, seating herself across from Theo. "As well as illuminating. I had no idea Theo had friends who could be seen in public or attend society events."

Theo laughed. "Not all of my friends wish to seek you out, Francesca." He paused. "Of course, I have served warning to many of them."

"Not to trifle with your sister? Quite admirable, Theo."

"No, Papa. He warns off these unwelcome suitors before I can chase them away." Francesca chuckled. "It's a charitable act Theo is doing for the men of his acquaintance."

Philippa entered the room. "We may have these two living with us when we are in our dotage, Declan." She poured herself a cup of tea and sat down next to him. "Theo plans to outdo Prinny when it comes to extravagant living, while Francesca—"

"Will decimate the hopes of all of London's eligible males," Theo finished. "She may have to move to the continent when she is done here. To find a new battlefield."

Declan shook his head while gazing at Philippa. "And I was worried they would elope as we did." He looked at his children once more. "We were wed at least two years when we were your age, Theo."

"Theo was an infant in my arms," Philippa added, her tone wistful.

"Perhaps you should have regaled them with our tale more often," Declan said, "to inspire them."

"I thought I had. But they are such a contrary pair. They apparently viewed it as a cautionary tale instead."

"Have they always been this impossible?" Declan asked.

"I am afraid so," Philippa said. "Fortunately they have your striking good looks so there is still hope. I am not certain what I have contributed that will aid your matchmaking, though."

Declan grinned. "They have hidden depths, my love. Your characteristics will spring forth at unexpected moments, making my task so much easier."

"I was sure you had seen the impossibility of that endeavor," Theo grumbled.

"While I was certain you had seen how determined I am for both of my children to fall in love and be happily wed."

Francesca snorted. "You may be embarking on the most hopeless of lifelong quests."

"Perhaps." Declan's eyes twinkled. "But what a delightful way to spend the next decades of my existence."

He lifted Philippa's hand and gave it a lingering kiss. There was no attempt to hide the adoration between them. Would it persuade his children to seek out their own love one day? He was surprised it hadn't already. 

But their views on love and matrimony had been molded by his absences and their parents' long separations—not the love he and Philippa so obviously felt for each other.

A contrary pair indeed.