Arabella Sheraton grew up on a diet of Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, and many other writers of that period. From Jane Austen to Georgette Heyer, Arabella has found both enjoyment and inspiration in sparkling, witty Regency novels. She also loves history and generally finds the past more fascinating than the future. Arabella wrote her first Regency romance to entertain her aged mom who loved the genre. Arabella is honoured to share the adventures of her heroes and heroines with readers.
A witty traditional Regency romance that will captivate fans of the genre.
When Helena Wainwright accompanies her two young nieces and her nephew to stay at Rotherham Park with their new guardian who is their uncle, the Duke of Rotherham, she agrees to remain for six months to help the children adjust to their new life. She finds the handsome, charming Duke of Rotherham to be the most insufferable, self-opinionated, domineering and arrogant man she has ever met. Unhappily, the duke also holds an unflattering opinion of Helena. “Wayward was the only word to describe such a determined, contrary, and obstinate young woman who defied him at every turn regarding the upbringing of his wards. He would be very glad to see her go.”
The Duke of Rotherham is contemplating making Miss Emily Fanshawe, a beautiful, and (everyone thinks) well-bred young woman an offer of marriage. However, Emily has terrible secrets to hide, besides having a clandestine lover. Helena discovers Emily's secrets and does not know which way to turn. If she reveals the truth to protect the duke's social standing, she will betray Emily, with dire consequences. Besides, the duke seems determined to marry Emily, simply to prove a point, even though his godmother, Lady Mildred Ormsby has suspicions the Fanshawes are not who they say they are! Emily’s mother is hell-bent on marrying her daughter off to a rich, preferably titled, man. She will let nothing stand in her way, even stooping to abduction and possibly murder.
Can Helena win in the face of heavy odds and the machinations of a wicked schemer? And will she want the Duke of Rotherham for herself when hidden elements of his romantic past come to light?
Snippet:
He winked at Helena, his magnetism compelling. No wonder so many of London’s single ladies pursued him. When he set out to be charming, there were few who could resist. He looked remarkably handsome. The superb cut of his chocolate brown kerseymere coat indicated the hand of a master tailor; the points of his collar were just high enough to be fashionable, not
ridiculous, and his neckcloth was tied in the intricate Osbaldeston. The finish on his Hessians even had Marcus looking for his reflection in their surface. A striped waistcoat in cream and brown, biscuit-coloured pantaloons, gloves, and a cane completed his outfit.
“And I think Cousin Helena looks very fetching, as well.”
Helena demurred, although her best walking dress, in a rich honey colour with a double flounce around the hem and blond lace trim on the bodice and wrists, became her admirably. She draped a lovely Norwich silk shawl around her shoulders. A hat with a jaunty feather, tan kid gloves, and a matching reticule finished off her ensemble.
“I think she looks beautiful,” said Victoria. “Maybe some handsome man will decide to fall in love with her.”
Rotherham’s face darkened, and Helena hastily said, “How nonsensical we are all becoming today, and we haven’t even left the house. Is the carriage ready, Cousin Vernon?” She looked at him.
Rotherham said, “I thought we should go in the barouche.”
ridiculous, and his neckcloth was tied in the intricate Osbaldeston. The finish on his Hessians even had Marcus looking for his reflection in their surface. A striped waistcoat in cream and brown, biscuit-coloured pantaloons, gloves, and a cane completed his outfit.
“And I think Cousin Helena looks very fetching, as well.”
Helena demurred, although her best walking dress, in a rich honey colour with a double flounce around the hem and blond lace trim on the bodice and wrists, became her admirably. She draped a lovely Norwich silk shawl around her shoulders. A hat with a jaunty feather, tan kid gloves, and a matching reticule finished off her ensemble.
“I think she looks beautiful,” said Victoria. “Maybe some handsome man will decide to fall in love with her.”
Rotherham’s face darkened, and Helena hastily said, “How nonsensical we are all becoming today, and we haven’t even left the house. Is the carriage ready, Cousin Vernon?” She looked at him.
Rotherham said, “I thought we should go in the barouche.”
