Lords and Ladies Series by Donna Simpson, Donna Lea Simpson

Celestine Simons was past the age when a woman could hope to marry. Still, she counted herself blessed, for she held a good position as governess in the household of tine Marquess of Ladymead. But when the Marquess's brother, the handsome Lord Justin St. Claire, arrived for the Christmas season, Celestine's lonely heart caught fire. He was so sweet and understanding. Yet, a marriage proposal from a pleasure-seeking aristocrat had to be merely cruel joke, if not pity for a poor spinster. . moreCelestine Simons was past the age when a woman could hope to marry. Still, she counted herself blessed, for she held a good position as governess in the household of tine Marquess of Ladymead. But when the Marquess's brother, the handsome Lord Justin St. Claire, arrived for the Christmas season, Celestine's lonely heart caught fire. He was so sweet and understanding. Yet, a marriage proposal from a pleasure-seeking aristocrat had to be merely cruel joke, if not pity for a poor spinster. .. Love was a game for the devil-may-care Lord Justin St. Claire -- until he met Miss Celestine Simons. Justin never thought he could be felled by cheerful good sense and intelligent conversation. He'd set out to give the plain, timid miss an innocent thrill under the kissing bough -- becoming smitten with the gray-eyed beauty was the least of his intentions. But the more he denied his aching heart, the more he yearned to make Celestine his. less

Lady Emily Sedgely, separated from her husband and bored to distraction after years of solitude in the wilds of Yorkshire, is stirred by a sudden thirst for life and eagerly returns to London for the Season. Back in the swirl of society, she quickly warms to the attentions of an ardent young Frenchman—until a chance encounter with Baxter, her estranged husband, leaves her as confused as ever about her heart’s true longings... moreLady Emily Sedgely, separated from her husband and bored to distraction after years of solitude in the wilds of Yorkshire, is stirred by a sudden thirst for life and eagerly returns to London for the Season. Back in the swirl of society, she quickly warms to the attentions of an ardent young Frenchman—until a chance encounter with Baxter, her estranged husband, leaves her as confused as ever about her heart’s true longings. Baxter, the Marquess of Sedgely, was given to dark moods and an uncertain temper that doomed his marriage. Finding relief in travel, he spent five years gallivanting the Continent and has now returned to London with a comely young mistress—and a dangerous secret. Cavalier about his safety, he discovers a far greater concern—for just one look at Emily stirs a realization that while his life may be in danger, it is his heart that faces a more immediate peril. When Emily’s young French suitor arouses suspicions that he may not be all that he appears and a unknown assailant makes several attempts on Baxter’s life, the two are driven to protect each other and surrender to a passionate reawakening—and neither will rest until they are safely in the arms of the only person they’ve ever loved. * This books was originally published under the title Lady Delafont’s Dilemma. less

HE WAS THE LOVE OF HER LIFE. .. Lady Emily Delafont wanted to be alone. For five years, she lived a solitary life in Yorkshire, finding serenity and almost forgetting him. Baxter. The Marquess of Sedgely. Her husband. She knew that their marriage had been stormy, but she never expected Baxter to abandon her for his trip to the Continent. Now nothing would have prompted Lady Emily to have seen him again -- except a message that he was in danger. . .. AND SHE OF HIS... moreHE WAS THE LOVE OF HER LIFE. .. Lady Emily Delafont wanted to be alone. For five years, she lived a solitary life in Yorkshire, finding serenity and almost forgetting him. Baxter. The Marquess of Sedgely. Her husband. She knew that their marriage had been stormy, but she never expected Baxter to abandon her for his trip to the Continent. Now nothing would have prompted Lady Emily to have seen him again -- except a message that he was in danger. . .. AND SHE OF HIS. Attacks upon his person by a secret enemy had put his life in danger, but it was meeting Lady Emily again that truly put Baxter in peril. She was still completely kissable! But in his mind, only one thing stands in the way of full reconciliation -- the dashing young Frenchman Bax believes to be his wife's lover. Pride will not let him claim his wife if she prefers another man -- yet passion will not let his soul rest until he has the only lady he has ever loved in his arms again. .. . less

A COUNTRY AFFAIR. When Lady May van Hoffen sets out on a ride across her country estate, she anticipates nothing more than a sentimental visit to the Gothic folly where she played as a child. Yet while the sight of a wounded man within its stone walls is quite shocking, what is more amazing is the man's identity... moreA COUNTRY AFFAIR. When Lady May van Hoffen sets out on a ride across her country estate, she anticipates nothing more than a sentimental visit to the Gothic folly where she played as a child. Yet while the sight of a wounded man within its stone walls is quite shocking, what is more amazing is the man's identity. For it is Etienne Delafont who lies bleeding in the cottage, the gallant Frenchman who helped May escape from a devious kidnapper--and the man both May and the ton have believed dead for months! With just one glance at the darkly handsome Etienne, May knows that her innocent tendre for him has survived, as well. Sheltering him may be a scandalous notion, but for once the risks don't signify. And for May, the chance of danger is far less frightening than the idea that her greatest folly may be losing her heart. .. less