The Stand-In Bride: She Rules It All

Lydia Hale is a daughter of a secondary branch of her family, mistreated by her stepmother. The Hales are pressed to supply a bride after Julian Carver, a general honoured for his victories, is reported killed. Lydia is sent in place of the daughter who was meant to go, and marries his memorial tablet, entering the Carver residence as a widow. Julian is not dead. He faked it, and is living in the household disguised as one of the guards. Lydia uses what she knows from her own time to deal with the noble sons who throw their weight around and to get the attention of officials at court. She defends the standing of the Carver house and takes part in clearing out corruption there. Julian, watching her from where he stands, is drawn to her. The two of them work together against Prince John's plot and against the family that sent her.