The Mating Game (Whitton Family Trilogy)

Jeanne Whitton, niece of the Duke of Danby, is prepared to marry. The oldest of three sisters, reared in India, she feels it is her duty to marry first, leading the way, as it were. Her uncle, the Duke, is determined that his nieces marry, and with no delay. As Jeanne is in India and Danby is in Yorkshire, how can he possibly arrange a marriage? He sends Achilles Munro to India, that's how.

ClaudiaSnowflakeAchilles, a naval officer without a ship, agrees to travel to India and marry one of Danby's nieces, whichever one he chooses; in return, he will have "connection" and a place upon a ship of the line in His Majesty's navy. Unfortunately for Achilles, nothing goes as Danby ordained. He is shipwrecked, attacked by pirates, beset by storms, shipwrecked again, and finally walks across most of India, making his way to Jeanne. Or Julia. Or Judith. He has no idea which sister will be his chosen bride. Until the girls fall off an elephant crossing a river. Then he knows that Jeanne is for him. Can he survive the courtship? Jeanne is determined that, yes, he will.
Previously released in an anthology collection. This novella is not part of the Courtesan Chronicles.