As her mother lay dying, Mercy Franklin discovered that the couple who had raised her were not her parents. Reverend Robert Franklin and his wife, Susanna, had taken her in and raised her as their own with the stipulation that they would never let anyone know she was not their daughter. They never showed her any affection so she knew how they felt about her; she just didn’t know why they had been so cold to her…not until the day Susanna died. With both parents dead, any answers she needed would have to be found in Susanna’s journal. With no money and only knowing one way to make a living, she used the small bequest left to her to get to Ashby Hall where she has obtained a position as governess to a little girl. She had not expected Ashby Hall to be a palace, but to her dismay, it was a disaster. But she also knew little about being a governess, only what her governess friend has told her about in her letters.
As the third son, Nash Ferris, Lord Ashley, never expected to have the title. But within the past two years he has lost both of his brothers and his sister-in-law. His best friend also lost his life when he took the bullet intended for Nash. People were beginning to say that the Ashley earls were cursed. He knew little about running an estate. His life had seemed charmed, until Waterloo where a sudden explosion had left him with cracked ribs and scars over a portion of his face. His injuries left him unsuitable for active duty and his scars left his once handsome face so revolting that women turned from him in revulsion. With the death of his brother and sister-in-law, Nash became the guardian of their little girl, Lady Emmaline. Not used to children and knowing his scars frightened her, he avoided any contact with her.
Meeting Mercy, Nash knew he should send her packing. Instead of regular servants, his estate is being run by former soldiers who were starved for female companionship. He had warned them to stay away from the females in Keswick, so he did not know how they would take to Mercy. But if he sent her away, that would leave Emmaline’s care in the hands of two of his men, which was not at all acceptable. Since Emmaline was so quiet, he felt that something must be wrong with her.
Nash was attracted to Mercy. He noticed, upon first meeting her, that she did not seem to pay much attention to his scars, unlike other women. But with no other relatives and having a bankrupt title, Nash knew he only had one choice; to marry a wealthy heiress and produce an heir. However, as he spends time around Mercy, he finds that his body reacts more strongly around her than it has to any other woman, especially since the explosion. In fact, he is having trouble even thinking of being with any other woman. Will he choose Mercy and love, or will he let her go to be able to have the money to renovate Ashby Hall?
As the captain races to reach the duke’s granddaughters before the heir’s murderous thugs, danger lurks and suspense is brought to a feverish pitch, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. After all, the heir, Baron Chetworth, wants it all, not just part of the duke’s fortune. Will the captain make it in time, or will another death be chalked up to the Ashby curse?
A fast-paced and intriguing read, SEDUCING THE GOVERNESS is a sensual, witty historical romance that will capture your attention right from the very beginning and won’t let go until you reach the very satisfying ending. I hated to see the story end, even though readers will know that a sequel is forthcoming. I cannot wait to read it. Mercy has always been a quiet girl, seeking the approval of the couple she believes to be her parents. But from the moment she meets Nash, she cannot understand why her mouth keeps getting carried with her. She does not even recognize herself around Nash. Mercy and Nash make a great couple and I hope to see more of them in the sequel; BRAZEN, which is due out in December. Beautifully written and brimming with suspense, emotional issues, sizzling hot situations, complex and engaging characters, clever banter and tender love, this story is a keeper. Do not miss it!
