Ladies on their Own: Governesses and Companions

More than a Companion

An uncertain future for a lady…an arrogant Earl…will they find a way to a happy ever after?

Sent to be her aunt’s companion by an impoverished father, Miss Honora Gregory struggles against disappointment and loneliness. Now in London, Honora’s aunt seeks only her own entertainment and Honora is forced into the background. Blunt and forthright, she does not hide her true opinion despite her lowly status. When her aunt gives her one evening, one opportunity of finding a gentleman to court her, Honora knows exactly which gentleman in particular she will make certain to avoid – the arrogant and selfish Lord Crampton.

Robert, the Earl of Crampton is irritated with the lady. Even though she is only a companion, Robert finds himself caught up with her, angry at her manner towards him. When someone begins to bring trouble to Robert’s door, he is astonished to find that Honora is the one by his side. Will she be willing to help him, if he should ask? And can he eschew his pride and see her as more than just a companion?

The Hidden Governess

On the run from an unwanted marriage, Lady Albina finds out it is difficult to hide for long.

Patrick, the Marquess of Addenbrook, delights in showing off his wealth and his possessions and the excellent company he keeps. Irritated by the arrival of his nephew, whom he has been forced to care for, Patrick quickly hires a governess and intends to continue on with his life just as it has been before, only to find himself slowly becoming distracted by the young governess’ presence in the house.

Lady Albina has been forced to run from her family’s estate. Hiding her true name and seeking aid from her old governess, she is relieved and frightened to take on a position with the marquess. Finding him aloof and disinterested in her, Albina throws herself into her new situation, only to find the marquess beginning to become all the more present.

When danger begins to approach, Albina must make a choice. Will she reveal her true self to the marquess? And what will Lord Addenbrook do when he discovers the truth?

The Companion and the Earl

A quiet companion…an arrogant Earl…will she save him from a trap?

Being a handsome, high-titled gentleman in London made Jonathan’s first summer in London as the Earl of Havisham a great success. Returning to the city again for yet another summer, he hopes that he will find the same attentions and pleasures as before. Unfortunately, his mother decides she also wants to join him and insists upon bringing her quiet and rather dull companion – a companion that Jonathan has never met.

Miss Deborah Fullerton has been a companion to Lady Havisham for the last three years and knows all too well the lady’s intention to marry her off to her son. However, upon meeting the gentleman, Deborah finds him rude, arrogant, and entirely selfish and declares to Lady Havisham that she could never imagine him as her husband. Unaware that she has been overheard, Deborah continues to behave just as a companion ought, oblivious to the fact that her words have stuck in the mind of Lord Havisham.

When a trap is set for Jonathan, will Deborah be able to save him from it, without pushing herself too much into the fore of society? And what will Jonathan do when he realizes that the quiet, shy companion means more to him than any other lady could ever mean?

More than a Governess

Unexpectedly a governess to a girl who can’t speak…can she find a way forward?

Informed by her brother that she is now a governess so that she will not have to trouble him any longer, Miss Judith Newfield is left entirely alone, lost in a new role where she has no experience and very little confidence. The little girl she is to care for is frightened and almost completely silent, looking up at her with fearful eyes. With demands coming from the marquess that she make the child speak, Judith is forced to be bold despite her own fears. Will her courage and outspokenness force the marquess to reconsider his behavior? Or will he decide to end her employment and throw her back into the control of her brother?

David, the Marquess of Turton, is struggling with the expectations his betrothed is placing upon him. Becoming a little afraid that he might have been a little too hasty in his engagement, he is additionally frustrated at the addition of his daughter returning to his house – especially when she will not speak to him! Aggravated, he demands great things of his new governess, never expecting her to respond with harsh words of her own! Seeing the change in his daughter but disliking the governess’ ways, David fights against the urge to remove her from her position.

When a secret revealed threatens to pull him apart, it is up to Judith to find a way forward – and for David to decide just how much he too might need the governess.

Protected by the Companion

A lady companion, an arrogant earl – should she save him from a horrid fate?

Giles, the Earl of Bargrave, does not want to be in London but since he has promised to chaperone his niece, knows he must keep to his word. Frustrated that the girl has also brought a companion, Giles does his best to ignore her, often reminding her harshly that he is well able to chaperone his niece without her aid.

Miss Emma Lawder has never had a London Season and doubts she will ever have one. Sent away as a companion by an uncaring father, Emma struggles against the earl’s displeasure. When, by chance, she uncovers a plot to ensnare him into marriage, Emma must choose just what she will do next. Will she tell him the truth or leave him to his fate? And can they find a way together that might just soften both of their hearts?

A Wager with a Viscount

A wager between a governess and a viscount… what will be the consequences?

Being foisted with not one but two children is one thing, but to be sent their governess also is quite another! Viscount Edmund Wollaston has promised to care for his brother’s children for a short while but did not realize just how much they would disrupt his carefully ordered life. Unhappy, he decides to send the governess and the children away, only for the governess herself to beg him to change his mind.

Miss Tabitha Raikes never expected to have to make a wager with a viscount! Knowing that to return to her father’s home would cause her untold difficulty, she makes a bet with the viscount that, should she win, will force his hand and permit her and the children to stay. Will she be able to succeed? And can she hide from him the beginnings of affection that are springing up within her heart?