Follow three best friends who navigate love and independence as governesses in Regency England in this delightfully charming installment in the Governesses series. Mary Woodward, a young veteran governess, has one job: guiding a young debutante through her first season in high society. And up until now, keeping her fous and avoiding temptation has been easy. But never before has the father of her young charge been as devilishly handsome as the single, wealthy Earl of Asten.... Convinced to risk it all, Mary let's herself enjoy one night of magic at a masked ball in Asten's arms, but will they both regret everything when the Earl learns her true identity?

"The Story of a Governess" is one of the works by the master of domestic realism, the historical novel, and tales of the supernatural, Margaret Oliphant. She tells a story of a young girl ready for the self-denial of a governess position and the enclosed life of the old mansion, but, when turning pages, we learn that the fate and Mrs. Oliphant have made another plan for the young governess.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1872.

Believing herself guilty of a crime, Olivia Keene flees her home, eventually stumbling upon a grand estate where an elaborate celebration is in progress. But all is not as joyous as it seems. Lord Bradley has just learned a terrible secret, which, if exposed, will change his life forever. When he glimpses a figure on the grounds, he fears a spy or thief has overheard his devastating news. He is stunned to discover the intruder is a scrap of a woman with her throat badly injured. Fearing she will spread his secret, he gives the girl a post and confines her to his estate. As Olivia and Lord Bradley's secrets catch up with them, will their hidden pasts ruin their hope of finding love?

"Alex Arrandale, Earl of Davenport, is used to getting what he wants. So when he visits Diana Grensham, governess and joint guardian to his wards, and asks her to vacate his property, he is stunned when she refuses! Diana is determined not to bow to Alex's demands. Her whole life, she has believed she is unlovable and worthless, but now, as she and Alex engage in a battle of wills, Diana's confidence blooms. And soon, she finds herself tempted to make a few demands of her own!"--Page [4] of cover.