He is in possession of a large diamond, given to him in India, which he vows he will give to the woman he loves – when he finds her, that is. Jemima Brown, sixteen, good-hearted and hard-working, comes to work for him as a general maidservant. When Mr Cavell stands up for her against the unwanted attentions of some tradesmen working in his house, she sees at once that here is a man of high morals and integrity. But it is Caroline Simpson, daughter of Henry’s house-painter, who catches his eye. She may be socially his inferior, but she is good-looking, flirtatious and knows how to use her charms. She manipulates Henry into marrying her, and only the loyal Jemima knows he’s been tricked. How can Jemima fight her growing feelings for her master, maintain her morals and stay in Mr Cavell’s employment, despite her mistress’s increasingly erratic behaviour?

    ***** FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED ***** The stories in this collection, because they all happen in Upper Nettlefold, have things which happen, that influence the other stories. So the order in which they are presented here aligns with the timeline in which events in the stories happen (although many are in parallel). Read through this collection in order, and you will find that each story builds on the ones before, weaving the magic of community and interconnection between characters. There is also a map of Upper Nettlefold to help you visualise everything as you read. Although each story can stand alone, we’re sure that you’ll love finding the linkages as you go. This is our second visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. (Our first was the collection ‘Love, One Regency Summer’ which will only be available for a limited time, so, if you like these stories, you’ll want to grab it before its gone!) You may see other collections based here, or you may see individual books from the various authors, but we will keep expanding the stories about the people you’ll meet in this collection. We have also each given you a short preview of another of our books. This collection includes: To Dance with the Dangerous Duke by Arietta Richmond A Duke sworn never to love again, a Lady trapped by one past mistake, a Christmas Ball, a blackmailing cad, an impossible choice, a last minute reprieve, a miraculous love. Merry Christmas My Love by Rose Pearson A Lady whose heart is broken, an Earl whose life needs to change, an accidental meeting, the interference of well-meaning friends, a confrontation, a new love that heals old hurts. >Miss Modesty’s Mistletoe by Grace Austen An Earl with a scandalous reputation, a young woman whose parents hope to see marry a respectable man, a not so accidental meeting, a dramatic rescue on the way to the Ball, a love long held declared.< The Compromised Lady’s Christmas Wish by Regina Darcy A Lady deceived, abandoned and robbed, a gentleman rescuer who has lost all that he loves, a murderer unveiled, a love that restores two reputations and heals broken hearts. A Christmas Secret by Kelly Anne Bruce A widow whose days are lonely, even surrounded by family, a military man who brings news of her husband’s last days, and unexpected attraction, an identity revealed, a new love for Christmas. The Earl’s Christmas Love by Sophia Wilson A widowed Earl, avoiding society, a Lady who hopes for love, a past acquaintance with designs on the Earl, a trap set and sprung, a misunderstanding resolved, a love saved from despair. Miss Fitzwilliam’s Christmas Redemption by Lydia Pembroke A young woman, bitter about her own bad choices, and a love lost, a change in circumstances, a charitable action which leads to a meeting with a man of the merchant class, a love that redeems. The Christmas Fortune by Isabella Thorne A Knight who hopes to marry, a Lady whose place in society is newly restored, and threatened by past scandal, the villain who could ruin her, a plan to trap a wrongdoer, a love saved by royalty.

    After more than a year spent sequestered in her rooms at Stonebridge Manor, the once lively young woman is encouraged to venture into town—her first small step toward healing. But Regina is shaken out of her stupor when she makes a most unexpected discovery: a foundling baby girl. Regina is instantly enthralled with the infant and determines that she will claim the child as her own—a deception that seems, in the moment, to be harmless. But when her husband’s cousin Radcliffe comes back into her life, Regina quickly becomes entangled in a tenuous charade. Radcliffe is immediately taken with both the charming baby girl and the woman he believes to be her mother. As Regina and Radcliffe are drawn together, first as friends and then as something much deeper, the future is bright with unspoken promise. But when the truth of the baby’s parentage is revealed, Regina stands to lose all that she has come to cherish.

    An unexpected love warms a woman's heart in this enchanting Christmas romance from "masterful storyteller"* Jodi Thomas...Holly, a beautiful Texas tomboy, gets more than she bargained for under the mistletoe after her godfathers decide to find her a husband.Praise for Jodi Thomas and her novels:"[Thomas] grabs your attention on the first page [and] captures your heart." -*Catherine Anderson"Exactly the kind of heart-wrenching, emotional story one has come to expect from Jodi Thomas." -Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author"Thomas sketches a slow, sweet surrender." -Publishers WeeklyIncludes a preview of Jodi's heartwarming new novel, Just Down the Road, available April 2012!Previously published in A Country Christmas.

    There is nothing he wouldn’t do to secure her services at first, but later he will settle for nothing less than her heart…Nearly 7 years ago, Susan Langdon was well aware that her actions would ruin her marriage prospects. Now she is content with being a governess and taking care of her twin charges, even if there’s a void in her heart that will never be filled…When her employer’s brother, the widowed Duke of Kent, arrives in the manor, Susan will get the feeling that he isn’t there just for a social visit. And she is absolutely right!Eldridge Johnson is in dire need of a governess and his brother seems to have the perfect candidate for the job! And with the twins departing for Eton soon, she should be ripe for the picking!But what the Duke will find upon meeting Susan is that her qualities are far more precious than those of a mere governess, and though the course of action is clear in their heads, the unexpected obstacles brought on by a family member will perplex things quite a bit…

    Only handsome, respectable and deeply romantic persons need apply. Dukes and marquesses will be given special consideration. Apply within.This anthology contains nine fun, heart-tugging, and wholesomely romantic Regency novellas that are as sigh-worthy as they are sweet, brought to you by USA Today and national bestselling, award-winning authors.Deceived by a Duke by Erin Knightley, USA Today bestselling authorWhen strangers meet during a summer sojourn to the continent, love soon blossoms under the Spanish sun. But things aren't all what they seem. When Libby discovers her English gentleman isn't at all who she thought he was, can their new relationship survive the shock of being . . . Deceived by a Duke?(Originally published May 2014)Captivated by the Wallflower by Aileen Fish, USA Today bestselling authorFinding the perfect husband for wallflower Lady Susan is a means to an end for Viscount Knightwick. Falling in love is not part of his plan. Can he keep his heart safe while making hers happy?A Most Suitable Match by Lily George, national bestselling authorCan confirmed bluestocking and matchmaker Louisa Bradbury compose her own happily ever after with Thomas, the wallflower of the rich and powerful Wright family?Stealing the Duchess by Marie Higgins, national bestselling authorWhen Julian Stratford seeks out to steal the duchess as an act of revenge, he mistakenly steals the wrong sister--a wallflower, no less. As they work together to try and solve the mystery, they soon discover that not only are their lives in danger, but so are their hearts.First Impressions by Elizabeth Johns, national bestselling authorA widower earl, still in need of an heir, reluctantly sets off for London in search of a wife. He infinitely prefers the role of recluse to that of dashing beau. The Season's Incomparable prefers books to balls, and cannot wait until the Season is over. Their initial prejudices prevent them from feeling they would suit, but an unlikely source may give them another chance...Treasure Beyond Words by Heather KingHaving trusted the wrong man, bluestocking Amelia Burcott is forced to seek employment as a governess in order to support herself. Little does she realize, when she joins the household of the Earl of Raftesbury, that he has a secret as great as her own and needs the right woman to help him conquer his past.The Earl's Beloved Match by Bess McBride, national bestselling authorBluestocking Cora Prentice has no intention of marrying...ever. Tobias, the Earl of Momford, has no intention of marrying...ever. But Aunt Mimi has other plans for them as she sets out to make a match between her goddaughter and her adopted nephew!Save the Last Dance for Me by Cora Lee, award winning authorWhen Lady Honoria Maitland reunites with her old friend Benedict Grey, she proposes an arrangement: a faux courtship that will smooth wallflower Benedict's re-entry into society and appease her dying father. But Honoria's clever plan failed to account for Benedict's heart...or her own.The Third MacPherson Sister by Susana EllisRebecca's older sisters took the ton by storm while she herself has failed to attact a suitor in four Seasons. Miles is pondering his urgent need for a wife when Rebecca lands in his lap in the nave of Bath Abbey. A match between them seems ordained by the heavens... except for the little matter of his past history with her sisters.

    Doesn't it?One magical night, Fate orchestrates the reunion of three pairs of lovers at the same Regency ball. Beneath a balmy starlit sky, do the wounded rogues and the resilient women who once adored them, dare open their hearts and gamble on love one final time?A Kiss for a Rogue: A sweet romance of love relinquished and redeemed as once betrothed Allen Wimpleton and Olivia Kingsley meet again after a three year separation only to discover, their love is stronger than ever.A Bride for a Rogue: A tender tale of enduring love, uniting a clumsy noblewoman resigned to spinsterhood with the man she's loved since girlhood; a penniless soldier who returns to England from India, a disfigured and disillusioned man.A Rogue's Scandalous Wish: When an obligatory marriage offers turns into an unexpected second chance for love, Viscount Kingsley seizes it, but Philomena's desperation-borne acceptance forces her to trust the man who betrayed her once already.Caution: This set contains loveable rapscallions whose ears you'll want to box, spinsters determined to take matters into their own hands, the consequences be damned, a meddling aunt with terrible fashion sense, and villians you'll love to loathe.Buy this entertaining Regency historical romance set for emotional romantic reads you won't want to put down.

    Viscount Easton, wounded and sent home, falls for the unrefined beauty on the voyage home. Can Easton help her overcome her aversion to men? Can Elinor conquer her fears and give love a chance? Seasons of Change Cruel pranks motivated by jealousy spoil her betrothal and send Lady Beatrice Chalcroft, daughter of a Duke, into rustication at an orphanage in Scotland. Lord Vernon decides to move on and forgo love, until a chance meeting awakens his heart to Beatrice, but he isn't sure love is enough to overcome her shrewish ways. Seeking Redemption Lady Lydia Markham and Lord Nathaniel Fairmont find love in a whirlwind season, but a tragic incident caused by his wild behaviour force him to leave abruptly and join Wellington. He comes home and unexpectedly runs into Lady Lydia—but will secrets and war spell disaster for rekindling their romance? Shadows of Doubt Gwendolyn Lambert's finds her life reduced to penury and homelessness after her father is killed in a duel, and her invalid mother dies. Her godmother, the Dowager Duchess of Loring, is determined to see Gwendolyn taken care of and restored to her rightful place, and schemes to bring her handsome grandson up to scratch as Gwendolyn's perfect love match. But will they be able to overcome being separated by oceans, storms, and the interference of scheming mamas? Second Chance The Dowager Duchess of Loring has a chance meeting with a flame from the past—Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno—a man who was never able to forget the woman who stole his heart. Fate gives them a second chance, but will their love be enough to keep them together forever the second time around?

    But it is time to settle down and marry an heiress to save the crumbling and heavily burdened estate he inherited from his wastrel father. Not that he wishes to marry. He rather enjoys his own wastrel life.He finds the perfect solution when he rescues one hugely irritating spitfire by the name of Miss Katie Pringle from drowning. She's a runaway bride. Her wealthy father and even wealthier betrothed are offering an extremely generous reward for her safe return. All Niall has to do is get her back to London and claim his riches. What can possibly go wrong?

    Oliver is a master of cool practicality, so he’s hopeful when he sees the connection between Sofia and his daughter. What scares him is there’s nothing cool or practical about his attraction to Sofia!“The Marquess Tames His Bride is a delightful story about true love, passion and mystery” —Goodreads on The Marquess Tames His Bride“The author shows talent all the way through and her writing is magnificent” —Goodreads on The Marquess Tames His Bride

    She had reached the ripe age of eighteen without a husband, and if her disastrous first season in London was any indication, she was doomed to spinsterhood. What could you do with a girl who would not learn to chatter sweetly or sew neatly or even play the harp? Instead Charlotte rode as well as any man, read the most boring books, and even knew how to speak German. All society was startled when the dashing, handsome, immensely wealthy Duke of Imbrie asked for Charlotte's hand - and shocked when she turned him down. But that was just the first of many surprises Miss Charlotte Stanwood had in store!

    But everything changes when she's the beneficiary of a surprise inheritance. Her benefactor's deal comes with a catch: give up her life of toil and live in luxury only if she marries his illegitimate son, a prisoner of war. It's an offer she can't afford to refuse. But her husband-to-be is dying, and he begs her to take one of his men instead—to marry purely out of mercy….A marriage of convenience with a complete stranger… Could this arrangement ever work?

    From top-selling romance author Carola Dunn (Lavender Lady) comes a Regency love story about a handsome aristocrat who risks his heart for a lovely lass with a mysterious past.

    When a striking young man suddenly lands on their doorstep, she is immediately enticed.An obscure aggressor is out for his blood and Edward Godwin is running for his life. Waking up after a fierce attack, he finds himself in an unfamiliar manor. Unable to recall that he is, in fact, the Duke of Summerhill, he finds work there as a stable boy.With his life threatened by the minute and his family looking for him, all clues lead to a mysterious woman who claims to be Edward’s secret lover...but that is only part of the riddle.Forgotten but never undone, an olden mistake returns from the grave to torment them, making Lydia and Edward realize they are on borrowed time.*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Wicked Temptations for the Seduced Duchess is the novel for you. This is Olivia's debut novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.