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A Lady’s Brave Heart
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More Than a Companion
The Hidden Governess
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Love and Christmas Wishes: Three Regency Romance Novellas
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Mistletoe Magic: A Regency Romance
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Happy Reading!
All my love,
Rose
A Sneak Peek of More than a Companion
Prologue
“Did you hear me, Honora?”
Miss Honora Gregory lifted her head at once, knowing that her father did not refer to her as ‘Honora’ very often and that he only did so when he was either irritated or angry with her.
“I do apologize, father, I was lost in my book,” Honora replied, choosing to be truthful with her father rather than make excuses, despite the ire she feared would now follow. “Forgive my lack of consideration.”
This seemed to soften Lord Greene just a little, for his scowl faded and his lips were no longer taut.
“I shall only repeat myself the once,” her father said firmly, although there was no longer that hint of frustration in his voice. “There is very little money, Nora. I cannot give you a Season.”
All thought of her book fled from Honora’s mind as her eyes fixed to her father’s, her chest suddenly tight. She had known that her father was struggling financially, although she had never been permitted to be aware of the details. But not to have a Season was deeply upsetting, and Honora had to immediately fight back hot tears which sprang into her eyes. There had always been a little hope in her heart, had always been a flicker of expectation that, despite knowing her father’s situation, he might still be able to take her to London.”
“Your aunt, however, is eager to go to London,” Lord Greene continued, as Honora pressed one hand to her stomach in an attempt to soothe the sudden rolling and writhing which had captured her. He waved a hand dismissively, his expression twisting. “I do not know the reasons for it, given that she is widowed and, despite that, happily settled, but it seems she is determined to have some time in London this summer. Therefore, whilst you are not to have a Season of your own – you will not be presented or the like – you will go with your aunt to London.”
Honora swallowed against the tightness in her throat, her hands twisting at her gown as she fought against a myriad of emotions.
“I am to be her companion?” she said, her voice only just a whisper as her father nodded.
She had always been aware that Lady Langdon, her aunt, had only ever considered her own happiness and her own situation, but to invite your niece to London as your companion rather than chaperone her for a Season surely spoke of selfishness!
“It is not what you might have hoped for, I know,” her father continued, sounding resigned as a small sigh escaped his lips, his shoulders slumping. Honora looked up at him, seeing him now a little grey and realizing the full extent of his weariness. Some of her upset faded as she took in her father’s demeanor, knowing that his lack of financial security was not his doing. The estate lands had done poorly these last three years, what with drought one year and flooding the next. As such, money had been ploughed into the ground to restore it and yet it would not become profitable again for at least another year. She could not blame her father for that. And yet, her heart had struggled against such news, trying to be glad that she would be in London but broken-hearted to learn that her aunt wanted her as her companion and nothing more. “I will not join you, of course,” Lord Greene continued, coming a little closer to Honora and tilting his head just a fraction, studying his daughter carefully and, perhaps, all too aware of her inner turmoil. “You can, of course, choose to refuse your aunt’s invitation – but I can offer you nothing more than what is being given to you at present, Nora. This may be your only opportunity to be in London.”
Honora blinked rapidly against the sudden flow of hot tears that threatened to pour from her eyes, should she permit them.
