Purity Mayfield doesn’t entertain romantic notions. She knows marriage isn’t a possibility and has accepted her lot in life is that of a governess. She’s good at her job, too. So, when she sees a little girl being mistreated by her so-called caretaker, Purity doesn’t hesitate to step in and help. Unfortunately, the girl’s cynical and entirely too attractive father is neither grateful nor impressed by her intervention…
Theran Rutland had—and lost—one great love. He has no intention of seeking another. So, romance is the last thing on his mind when the beautiful Purity accuses his sister-in-law of abusing his daughter. But when her allegations prove true, Theran offers Purity a governess position. Imagine his surprise when he starts to develop actual feelings for her…
When all is said and done, Purity and Theran might have a shot at happily ever after. But only if a jealous, vengeful rival and a shocking revelation about Purity’s past don’t ruin everything first…
Genre: FICTION / Romance / RegencyMottford Hall, Essex, England
Home of the Earl and Countess of Mumford
22 August 1818 — Mid-Morning
Bliss. Pure, sublime bliss.
Purity Mayfield tilted her face into the sun’s soothing rays and gave a contented sigh. Humming the ballad she’d sung to her wards that morning, she relaxed into the comfortable, cushioned chaise lounge—one of several in the cozy garden. Apparently, none of the other houseguests who’d arrived over the past couple of days had discovered this magical retreat yet.
To be honest, she wasn’t exactly one of the elite haut ton guests. Nevertheless, she felt as privileged as one at that moment. Glancing around the isolated enclosure, Purity smiled.
Her cherished privacy might be partially due to the ten-foot-tall beech hedge surrounding the charming square and its distance from the manor house. She’d accidentally come upon the hedgerow’s arched opening while walking the greens farthest from the opulent mansion.
A few feet from her, across the verdant grass paralleled by rust-colored brick pavers lay a square pond. An angel wearing a strategically placed loincloth for modesty’s sake topped a two-tiered burbling fountain.
For the moment, this enchanted haven was all hers to enjoy. No quieting energetic children, wiping noses, gently but firmly reminding her charges to mind their manners, or doing the often unreasonable bidding of her employers.
For a few coveted minutes, it was just Purity, the fish, a few bees, and a mild August morning sun.
She eyed the entrance with a mixture of trepidation and expectation.
Surely this heaven was too perfect to last.
The reluctance of the upper ten thousand to part with their plush mattresses before noon also likely explained why no others had joined her in this picturesque retreat.
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Spanish
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Unavailable for translation.
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