A Governess for the Lonely Duke
(2026)(The fifth book in the Wives of Convenience series)
A novel by Martha Barwood
‘A disgraced governess. A scarred duke. A house haunted by fire… and a love that could ruin them both.’
Eleanor Aston has already lost everything, her home, her family, and her good name. When her father is accused of fraud, scandal destroys them all, leaving Eleanor with only her sketchbook, her pride, and a desperate need to survive.
So when she is offered a position as governess at remote Herndale Hall, she takes it, no matter the whispers of tragedy that cling to the estate like mist.
But the moment she arrives, disaster strikes.
A child has vanished into the ruins of a burned house… and Eleanor finds herself racing through the woods beside the Duke of Herndale himself.
Sebastian Hemsworth is no fairytale nobleman. Once celebrated for his charm and beauty, he now hides behind scars earned in the fire that stole his best friend, and changed his life forever. Cold, withdrawn, and convinced no woman could ever want him, Sebastian has sworn never to love.
Until Eleanor.
She does not flinch at his ruined face.
She does not pity him.
And when she brings laughter back into the lives of his grieving niece and nephew… Sebastian begins to feel something far more dangerous than hope.
But Eleanor has secrets of her own.
And when accidents begin to plague Herndale Hall, whispers of betrayal growing louder, Eleanor must decide if she can trust the duke with the truth…
Before the past destroys them both.
A sweeping, emotional Regency romance filled with slow-burn longing, wounded hearts, family devotion, and a scarred hero who believes he is unlovable, until one brave governess proves him wrong.
Perfect for fans of: Scarred Dukes, Governess Romances, Beauty and the Beast stories, and emotionally rich Historical Romance with a touch of mystery.
Also free with Kindle Unlimited.
Genre: Historical
Eleanor Aston has already lost everything, her home, her family, and her good name. When her father is accused of fraud, scandal destroys them all, leaving Eleanor with only her sketchbook, her pride, and a desperate need to survive.
So when she is offered a position as governess at remote Herndale Hall, she takes it, no matter the whispers of tragedy that cling to the estate like mist.
But the moment she arrives, disaster strikes.
A child has vanished into the ruins of a burned house… and Eleanor finds herself racing through the woods beside the Duke of Herndale himself.
Sebastian Hemsworth is no fairytale nobleman. Once celebrated for his charm and beauty, he now hides behind scars earned in the fire that stole his best friend, and changed his life forever. Cold, withdrawn, and convinced no woman could ever want him, Sebastian has sworn never to love.
Until Eleanor.
She does not flinch at his ruined face.
She does not pity him.
And when she brings laughter back into the lives of his grieving niece and nephew… Sebastian begins to feel something far more dangerous than hope.
But Eleanor has secrets of her own.
And when accidents begin to plague Herndale Hall, whispers of betrayal growing louder, Eleanor must decide if she can trust the duke with the truth…
Before the past destroys them both.
A sweeping, emotional Regency romance filled with slow-burn longing, wounded hearts, family devotion, and a scarred hero who believes he is unlovable, until one brave governess proves him wrong.
Perfect for fans of: Scarred Dukes, Governess Romances, Beauty and the Beast stories, and emotionally rich Historical Romance with a touch of mystery.
Also free with Kindle Unlimited.
Genre: Historical
Used availability for Martha Barwood's A Governess for the Lonely Duke