Enthralled in the Governess' Gaze

Enthralled in the Governess' Gaze A REGENCY ROMANCE NOVEL MEGHAN SLOAN Copyright © 2023 by Meghan Sloan All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. Free Exclusive Gift Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Introduction Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Free Exclusive Gift Sign up for my mailing list to be notified of hot new releases and get my latest Full-Length Novel “The Scent of Every Sin” (available only to my subscribers) for FREE! Click the link or enter it into your browser https://dl.bookfunnel.com/64lyd083xo Enthralled in the Governess' Gaze Introduction As Victoria Clifford rises from the ashes of tragedy, she is determined to save her noble family from a life of poverty. However, her newfound role as a nanny to the wealthy and handsome Edward Harford threatens to unravel her carefully crafted facade. The blazing passion that ignites between them, forces her to question whether she can truly continue to sacrifice her own happiness for the sake of her family. Will she succumb to Edward's smouldering gaze and charming wit? Edward initially scoffs at his niece's new nanny, but he is unable to resist the fiery spark in her sharp tongue and bold charm. The more time he spends with her, the deeper he falls for her alluring intellect and captivating presence. Despite his best efforts to keep his distance, he finds himself unable to resist their undeniable chemistry… Will he finally give in to passionately pursuing her tempting embrace? With every touch and every kiss, the heat between Victoria and Edward builds growing desire. Yet, what will happen when they find themselves torn between Victoria’s closely guarded secrets and Edwards’ past heartbreaks that are still haunting him? Will their sizzling affair survive the storm of secrets that threatens to tear them apart? Chapter 1 The sun was bright and warm, a welcome change from the gloom and rain that had been London’s norm as of late. Edward Harford smiled up at the clear blue sky with a small smile. The fair weather reflected his mood perfectly. It seemed as though everything in his life was falling into place. Having finished his studies at Oxford, he had returned home and gone about the business of finding himself a wife, an expectation as the son and heir to the Duke of Stoneham that he did not take lightly. When he first laid eyes on Miss Cressida Hutches, he knew she was the lady he wished to one day be his duchess. The most beautiful young miss of the season, she had been highly sought after by all the single gentlemen of the Ton, but Edward was the one who had won her in the end. She walked beside him as they made their way through the garden behind her family’s townhome, looking lovely in her pink dress with its white lace trim. Her blonde hair was arranged on the back of her head in an elegant chignon, and she held herself with a grace and poise that never failed to impress him. Her delicate brow was furrowed, and she looked preoccupied. He wondered what could be distracting her so and stealing her attention away from him. “Miss Cressida?” he said in a gentle voice. “Is everything all right? You do not seem to be enjoying yourself as much as you usually do on our walks together.” She glanced up at him and gave him a small smile that did not reach her bright blue eyes. Her gaze was rather cool, in fact, and it caught him off guard. “Miss Cressida?” he prompted when she did not answer him for several long moments. She came to a sudden stop and faced him. Edward stumbled slightly as he turned toward her. He glanced back at the maid who had been trailing behind them throughout their walk. She also stopped walking, maintaining her distance to avoid intruding on their conversation. Lifting her chin, Miss Cressida said, “My lord, I am afraid I have something rather unpleasant that I must tell you.” Edward blinked. “Indeed? What might that be? You know you can tell me anything, Miss Cressida. I am your servant, after all.” Her expression did not warm as she continued to gaze up at him. “I am afraid that I must bring our courtship to an end.” Edward stared at her, unable to reply and not even certain he had heard her correctly. “I…I beg your pardon,” he muttered. “What do you mean by that? I thought we were both in agreement that we wished to be married. We were going to make the engagement official by the end of the Season….” She nodded and coolly said, “Yes, I know, and I am sorry, my lord. Unfortunately, I cannot continue pursuing a relationship with you as I have feelings for someone else.” “What?” he exclaimed, taking a step back as though she had struck him. “What are you talking about? Who have you fallen for? You and I have been spending so much time together. Have you been courting someone else without telling me?” Miss Cressida released a sigh as though she were irritated with him. What in the world? Edward simply could not fathom what was happening. “My lord,