This is a regency gothic romance set on the Caribbean island of Montserrat. It is set right before emancipation, so it does cover some dark themes, including slavery, voodoo and the political/economic influences. 63k words, so not too long.
Summary:
The glittering and bright regency society of Montserrat, a Caribbean Island, exists only because of the miserable toil of some. The accepted unjustness of it jars Miss Emmeline Durrant who arrives from Boston to be a companion to a Mrs. Thornton, but being alone in the world, it is an opportunity she cannot afford to pass up. Even so, her welcome proves less than earnest and secrets emerge from every shadowed corner as she takes up her new position at the Rose Hill plantation.
Dark deeds and intents are suspected everywhere, especially from the neighboring landowner, a Lord Cresswell, who Emmeline’s patroness despises with vitriolic hatred— a man whose features are as dark and foreboding as Mrs. Thornton claims his heart to be. Bright sunshine over the sugarcanes masks the insidious fear of the people who forcibly work the fields, and their malcontent resentment. Unease over the dark religion and curses haunt even the lavish ballrooms where Montserrat society meet and mingle.
This is one of my most profitable books and it has high visibility in Amazon due to being in the gothic subgenre. Ranking goes up and down, but has been consistently high since launch.
Chapter 1
Montserrat, Caribbean, 1832
Emmeline Durrant stood on the deck of the Mary's Hope and looked out at the approaching emerald island in the distance. It sparkled in the sun, an oasis of green in the endless blue ocean.
Turning to face the sea breeze, she wished she could unbutton her dress to let it cool her. The heat was oppressive; she'd never felt anything like it in all her life. Having grown up in a convent orphanage in Boston, she was used to cold winters and pleasant summers, but this heat was unbearable. She'd had to divest her jacket, but her wool dress was not made for this climate.
As a result, she had to stay out of the sun as much as possible, but now that they were finally reaching their destination, she was too curious to stay below deck.
The letter of employment had reached her shortly after her twenty-first birthday. She had been teaching at a school nearby in Boston. Her education had been relatively good, her time at the orphanage having included lessons at one of the schools run by the church. But her teaching position had not been permanent and she'd been seeking something to turn herself to. Something with future prospects. Fortuitously, this opportunity had appeared just as she had needed it.
In truth, her prospects weren't admirable, but she was making the best with what she had, which was a good education and a willingness to explore opportunities—even in far-flung places such as Montserrat.
This offer of a position as a companion to a fine English lady had arrived. A little out of the blue, come to think of it. She'd been recommended by the headmistress of the orphanage the letter had said and she felt honored at having been chosen for such a prestigious position.
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Portuguese
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Already translated.
Translated by Alessandra Lobo
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