Bad Husbands Series by Marion Chesney, M.C. Beaton

A widow in reduced circumstances makes a desperate offer—and discovers romance and danger—in a suspenseful tale by a New York Times–bestselling author.   Annabelle Carruthers could only dream of being kissed by a man as dashing as Lord Darkwood. Instead, she remained locked in misery, married to a rakish drunk who gambled their lives into financial and social ruin. But his sudden death—and rumors of spies and treachery—only made matters worse... moreA widow in reduced circumstances makes a desperate offer—and discovers romance and danger—in a suspenseful tale by a New York Times–bestselling author.   Annabelle Carruthers could only dream of being kissed by a man as dashing as Lord Darkwood. Instead, she remained locked in misery, married to a rakish drunk who gambled their lives into financial and social ruin. But his sudden death—and rumors of spies and treachery—only made matters worse.   Burdened with gambling debts, Annabelle feared she was on her way to the poorhouse. The only solution Annabelle could see was to offer herself up as mistress to the mysterious Lord Darkwood. Darkwood, however, was too much of a gentleman to take advantage of a lady such as Annabelle. Still, he was quite interested in rumors of her husband’s espionage—a curiosity that would soon place them both in grave danger . . .   This tale of love and intrigue in Regency England, originally published under the name Marion Chesney, comes from the beloved bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin mystery series. less

SHE WAS BY ALL RIGHTS A MERRY WIDOW, YET SHE FEARED HAPPINESS WOULD NEVER BE HERS... Matilda, Duchess of Hadshire, was a virtual prisoner of a cruel husband who romanced his mistress under her nose. Her only joy was dreaming of the handsome Earl of Torridon--for he, too, was trapped in a horrid marriage and longed for love and happiness... moreSHE WAS BY ALL RIGHTS A MERRY WIDOW, YET SHE FEARED HAPPINESS WOULD NEVER BE HERS... Matilda, Duchess of Hadshire, was a virtual prisoner of a cruel husband who romanced his mistress under her nose. Her only joy was dreaming of the handsome Earl of Torridon--for he, too, was trapped in a horrid marriage and longed for love and happiness. Though she secretly wished for his death, Matilda never imagined the guilt that would plague her when the illustrious duke was befittingly murdered by his own lightskirt! And when she turned to Torridon for comfort, she discovered a few surprises in store for both of them.... This book is connected to The Scandalous Lady Wright & His Lordship's Pleasure . less