An enemy spy? Who are the men who seek him? What secrets lie in the papers Henri entrusts to her charge?Living alone but for her faithful maid, Grace’s reputation is at stake. But Henri’s safety comes first. If he is to have a chance, she must hold the authorities at bay.Barely has he recovered when his pursuers come calling. Pitting those who would interfere one against the other, Grace risks all to keep her Frenchman alive.Will the truth emerge before Henri’s enemies manage to silence him forever?

    He is stunned to discover than his old friend Peter Mandeville left his only child in his care in the hope that he will teach her something about her heritage, an aspect of life that his strong willed daughter has yet to experience. Felix has spent his entire life avoiding the convoluted world that constitutes Society and is appalled by the burden that has been thrust upon him, especially when his new ward refuses to play by the rules. For Dominica Mandeville there are no rules. Beautiful and independent, she has spent her life following in the wake of battle in the company of her soldier father and her Portuguese mother. After a life of adventure, the knowledge that she has been given into the care of a perfect stranger chaffs unbearably. The loss of her beloved parents hurts but the loss of her freedom is the cruelest cut of all. Will she ever learn to be a demure debutante? Or will her impetuosity lead to scandals that even the capable Felix is unable to save her from?

    If mice in the walls and holes in the roof aren't bad enough, someone wants her to believe the place is haunted. But Portia doesn't scare that easily, even if catching sight of the brooding ghost leaves her strangely breathless. When he was accused of murdering his fiancée a decade ago, Giles Ashburne fled the country to his supposed death. Now he’s returned to the Hall to uncover the evidence that will exonerate him, only to find himself playing a ghost in his own home. Nothing he does drives Portia away, and worse, the stubborn chit is starting to grow on him. The more Portia learns about Giles Ashburne, the more certain she becomes that her ghost is not only innocent, but far from dead. When she sets out to prove it, she puts herself on a crash course with not only Giles, but the real killer. If Giles and Portia don't learn to stop striking sparks off each other and work together, there will soon be two ghosts at Ashburne Hall.

    . . .The lovely young widow Corinne deCoventry lived a wonderful life as sole female member of the Berkeley Brigade, a quartet of young aristocrats and acknowledged leaders of the ton. Yet when Corinne wore the famous deCoventry pearls to the mystery ball, she soon came to regret it.Swept off her feet by a masked Robin Hood who stole a kiss before stealing her necklace, she unexpectedly landed in mystery . . . and murder. The dashing Lord Luten rallied to her side. But his intentions were suspect when Corinne discovered that the killer lurked dangerously close to home!

    

     The mill seems to be his only interest in life and his young step-sister Caroline is the only person able to bring a smile to his face. But Liversedge Mill is in trouble as the Luddite rebellion sweepings through the north. Workers are conspiring to smash machines and terrorise their masters. Mary Lister, Caroline’s new governess, arrives on a night of violence and death. Having been forced by the snowy track to travel the last part of her journey in a small farm waggon, crouched under a tarpaulin, Mary is confronted by uproar. The Luddites somehow discover that the wagon in which Mary was a passenger was carrying shearing frames — and they are out to smash the lot … Shaken and confused Mary finally reaches the Mill. Confronted by her haughty employer, Mary is determined not to let William’s over-bearing nature ruin her spirits. During the stormy weeks that follow her arrival, Mary is torn between her sympathy for the poor and downtrodden of the rebellion and her unwilling admiration for the inimitable Master of Liversedge. Who will she side with? Her head or her heart. The Master of Liversedge is a gripping historical romance from a master story-teller. Alice Chetwynd Ley (1913 - 2004) was a British writer of romance novels. She was the sixth elected Chairman (1971–1973) of the Romantic Novelists' Association and was named honour life member. Her other titles include ‘The Guinea Stamp’, ‘The Georgian Rake’ and ‘The Jewelled Snuff Box’. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.

    

     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. 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 first visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. 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 first meet in this collection. The Viscount’s Summer Love A new Viscount with old secrets, a baker’s daughter, love thwarted, the threat of murder, a dramatic revelation, a long-held love finally returned. The Duke and the Spinster A Duke who needs to marry, a Lady who expects to never marry, a summer house party, a nefarious plot, gossip designed to harm, a desperate adventure, a love that redeems. Stitched in Love A seamstress who struggles to sew, a blacksmith beset by admirers, an accident with a dress, a runaway horse, a situation saved – barely, an unexpected love. Love Finds the Earl An unmarried Earl, a reserved widow, a clever sister, a social occasion, an accidental meeting, shady business dealings thwarted, a second chance for love. Doubting the Marquess An unrepentant rake, a woman more interested in business than men, a meeting, jealousy, an accident, a revelation that leads to love. The Degenerate Baron A fearless schoolteacher, a Baron lost in grief and despair, a collection of degenerate friends, a near accident that leads to a meeting, a reminder of past pain, a love beyond fear. Escaping the Scurrilous Earl A merchant’s daughter, a lonely physician, a thoroughly unscrupulous Earl, a debt called in, an impossible choice, an escape, a threat, a rescue, and a new love found. Esther, the Earl’s Hellion An orphaned young woman, a gentleman working undercover, a boarding school with a new owner, a despicable scheme, a rescue, a trap set to save, a dramatic conclusion, a fated love found. A Gentle Heart A spinster employed as a companion, a gentleman of means, a social opportunity, an act of kindness, a misunderstanding, a long hoped for love.

     Albertine 'Tina' Newton knows her worth. The most beautiful girl of the Season, she knew she was born to grace a nobler establishment. And she has her sights set on the perfect husband: Lord Skirlaugh, the heir to the Duke of Byram. Scarred, disillusioned, and cynical, Skirlaugh must nonetheless marry to ensure the succession. He neither expected nor desired love; just a well-bred conformable wife with a reasonable dowry. Tina is certain that there is no one to outshine her. But when her cousin Thea inherits a fortune, she also becomes a contender for Skirlaugh's attention. Then, after meeting on a roadside when both stopped to aid a young man with a badly injured horse, it seems that Thea and Skirlaugh have more potential than Tina thinks... But which aspiring débutante will please his critical taste? Mira Stables is the author of many historical fiction novels, including The Swynden Necklace and Golden Barrier.

    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!

    Chess has been the ruination of her life ending her engagement, filching her fortune and reducing her to poor relation. But when she finds herself falling in love with chessmaster David Rutherford, the new Lord Donhill, Sylvia stakes her heart, her future and her reputation on the riskiest gambit of all.

    Juliana is stubborn, adventurous and deeply in love with a Lord who has a questionable reputation. Emmeline is quiet in nature and shier than her fun-loving sister. When they discover that their parents are planning to marry Juliana to an eligible and affable son of a Duke she has no interest in, they concoct a plan to secretly take each other's place. With Emmeline having misgivings about the subterfuge, and navigating her unexpected feelings for this kind hearted newcomer, will the sisters manage to find love and avoid the trouble they've caused?Lord Cale has recently returned to his stepfather's estate to acquire more responsibilities after completing his education. He has known the twin daughters of the Earl of Baxter his entire life and has fallen deeply in love with Lady Juliana. However, due to his family's troubling reputation preventing him from being able to court her, he leaves determined to clear the family name. When he eventually returns vindicated and seeks out Juliana, how will he handle his dismay at thinking Juliana is already happy with another Lord? Will the two Lords come to an understanding about each other's place in the twins' lives or will the strong feelings involved render this impossible?With every passing day Emmeline's and Juliana's lives become increasingly complicated and intertwined and the pretense more difficult to keep up. However, the foggier the truth becomes, the clearer their growing feelings emerge. After all this time and the endless lies, will they manage to untangle this mess without hurting the men they care for, or have they taken this ruse too far? Will both sisters finally get the happily ever after that they long for?"The Secret Plan of Dazzling Ladies" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

    

    unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.Mrs. Dove-Lyon, proprietor of the Lyon’s Den, London’s notorious gaming hell, has recently had dealings with three new clients:Miss Harriet Hurst, who cannot see a thing without her spectacles and who has an unfortunate aversion to strong perfume, is in search of a husband. Her proposal, however, is a little unorthodox.Ambrose Crossley, fifth Earl of Pendlewood, an upstanding and respected member of the ton, is in search of a wife. His quest, however, is not quite as straightforward as it seems.Edward Fortescue, Viscount Eskdale, aka the Fallen Angel of Mayfair, has no desire to marry at all. His request is somewhat unusual.Being a shrewd business woman, Mrs. Dove-Lyon reckons she can satisfy all their needs in one fell swoop. It will require a little bit of subterfuge, a fair amount of manipulation, and a whole heap of good intentions. But, if the gamble pays off, a happy ending for all is assured. The game starts out well, with everything going exactly as planned. But, just as things seem to be reaching a satisfactory conclusion, a tragic secret emerges from the past. The consequences are heartbreaking. The game, it seems, is up. Or is it?True love never surrenders without a fight. And time, it is said, heals all wounds. Maybe there’s still a chance for happiness, after all.

    Even Roger agreed. And he was certain his overwhelming attraction to her was returned. Then why on earth was Letty refusing his offer of marriage?