Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Epilogue
Surrendering to the Earl's Desires
Introduction
Prolgue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
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A Governess' Secret Affair
Introduction
Livinia Campbell, a spirited governess, is sent far from home to tend to her duties. There, she discovers that the shadows lurking within the estate hold more than just the usual secrets. A dark family secret could turn out to be more trouble than she had bargained for. Despite the warnings and the foreboding atmosphere, Livinia feels an inexplicable pull toward the enigmatic Earl, Benedict Beaumont. With each glance, her heart races and passion sets a fire within her, so she decides to stay instead of running away.
Will this decision prove to be her demise?
Benedict Beaumont, Earl of Sheffield, burdened by the weight of his family's legacy and the responsibilities of his position, struggles to maintain order within the walls of Sheffield Manor. When his sister insists on hiring a stranger as governess, Benedict knows he is risking his deepest fears turning into reality; things ending in tragedy the way they had in the past. However, when he meets Livinia there’s something about her he just can’t resist and when desire turns into love, he knows he is at risk.
Will Livinia's bewitching presence unravel everything he holds dear?
Entwined by destiny and consumed by longing, Livinia and Benedict are swept into a whirlwind of forbidden desire and undeniable attraction. Yet, lurking beneath the surface of their sinful romance lies a dark abyss of deceit and danger, threatening to consume them. Will their love withstand the tempest of secrets that threaten to tear them apart, or will they be burnt by the flames of their own desire?
Chapter 1
“You know I saw them kissing in the gardens at the last ball.” The young girl giggled delightedly as if she had stumbled upon crown secrets.
“Adelaide, you know very well it is not proper for you to be discussing such things, ” Livinia said, admonishing her young charge while barely hiding her amusement at the conversation. She had been fortunate to procure a position as a governess after her father’s death three years prior and relished the life she now lived.
The sun shone brightly as Livinia and the only two daughters of the Fletcher family sat on a blanket, enjoying the delightful banter that impromptu picnics often brought. Northfork manner was situated in the middle of the country with sprawling green estates. Lavinia Campbell could hardly believe her luck when the baroness willingly accepted her application.
Taking a moment to observe the eldest of the family’s daughters, she allowed her curiosity to get the better of her. “Go on then, what else did you see?” she asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, unable to throw off the allure of gossip.
Adelaide Fletcher’s light brown eyes lit up with excitement. “Lord Dunham disappeared with Lady Violet shortly after I saw them kissing. Do you suppose they went to make a baby?” the girl spoke excitedly, her words falling over one another in torrents.
Livinia suddenly remembered her place with the girls and gave the eldest of her charges a stern look.
“What do you know of making babies, young lady? That is a subject entirely unfit and unbecoming. Besides, one must be married for such things to occur.” She smoothed her golden hair back into place as a light breeze picked up. She had always found it easier to manage if her hair was slicked back into a tight bun.
“That is right, Lady Violet and Lord Dunham are not married; they are merely engaged. It is scandalous for them to be hiding around corners and kissing without a chaperone present,” Olivia Fletcher spoke up while keeping her eyes on the cushion she had set out to embroider.
A wave of warmth washed through her body as she examined the sisters that had quickly become like little extensions of her own personality in the years she had been their governess.
Adelaide and Olivia were only one year apart, sixteen and fifteen, respectively. Although their appearance of strawberry blonde hair and cherubic faces made them look like twins, their personalities couldn’t have been more opposed. Adelaide was fiery and outgoing, while Olivia preferred to keep to herself. The younger sister was much like her mother when it came to minding her manners and acting according to her station in life.
Adelaide let out a sigh after realizing that the conversation had come to an end. Distractedly picking at the grass at the edge of the white linen, she tilted her head to the side. “Livinia, do you think you shall get married once Olivia and I have entered society?” she asked almost sorrowfully as if the question had been lying on her mind for a while.
Livian felt taken aback by the sudden question; she hadn’t given her life beyond the girls much thought. Deep down, she knew that her time would eventually come to an end, but she hoped that Lady Northfork would keep her on.
“I haven’t given it much thought; I don’t think I will,” she admitted honestly, straightening the folds of her light grey dress over her bent knees.
Both Adelaide and Lavinia looked up with shocked expressions.
“But Lavinia! You are far too beautiful not to be married!” Adelaide complained in shock, insinuating that Livinia had committed a crime by not wanting a husband.
The compliment warmed her heart but failed to reach the realms of reality within her mind. “There is more to life than finding a good husband. I wish both you and your sister wonderful matches like the connection shared by your parents but focus on your education as well.” Livinia gave her opinion gently, not wanting to dissuade the girls from the life she knew they would have to accept.
As a governess, she could choose whether to marry or live as she was. The girls, however, would have to marry because of their stations in life.
Olivia and Adelaide blushed at the mention of their parents’ connection. Innocence reigned in them despite Adelaide’s fascination with romance.
