The Governess Affair

By Courtney Milan

Hugo Marshall earned the nickname "the Wolf of Clermont" for his ruthless ambition--a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner's son to the right hand man of a duke. When he's ordered to get rid of a pestering governess by fair means or foul, it's just another day at work.

But after everything Miss Serena Barton has been through at the hands of his employer, she is determined to make him pay. She won't let anyone stop her--not even the man that all of London fears. They might call Hugo Marshall the Wolf of Clermont, but even wolves can be brought to heel...

The books in the Brothers Sinister series:
½. The Governess Affair (prequel novella)
1. The Duchess War
1½. A Kiss for Midwinter (a companion novella to The Duchess War)
2. The Heiress Effect
3. The Countess Conspiracy
4. The Mistress Rebellion

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: Sep 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781937248062

Courtney Milan

Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, an exuberant dog, and an attack cat. Before she started writing historical romance, Courtney experimented with various occupations, none of which stuck. Now, when she's not reading (lots), writing (lots), or sleeping (not enough), she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom. You can learn more about Courtney at http://www.courtneymilan.com.

Book preview

around.

Chapter One

London, October, 1835.

THE DOOR TO THE UPSTAIRS LIBRARY slammed viciously, rattling in its frame. Heavy steps marched across the room, bearing down on Hugo’s desk. Fists slammed against the wood surface.

Damn it, Marshall. I need you to fix this.

Despite that dramatic production, Hugo Marshall did not look up from the books. Instead he waited silently, listening to boots marking a path upon the carpet. He wasn’t a servant; he refused to be treated as one.

After a moment, his patience was rewarded. "Fix it, please," the Duke of Clermont muttered.

Hugo raised his head. An untutored observer would focus on the Duke of Clermont, apparently in full command, resplendent in a waistcoat so shot with gold thread that it almost hurt the eyes. This observer would dismiss the drab Mr. Marshall, arrayed as he was in clothing spanning the spectrum from brown to browner.

The comparison wouldn’t stop at clothing. The duke was respectably bulky without running to fat; his patrician features were sharp and aristocratic. He had mobile, ice-blue eyes that seemed to take in everything. Compared with Hugo’s own unprepossessing expression and sandy brown hair, the untutored observer would have concluded that the duke was in charge.

The untutored observer, Hugo thought, was an idiot.

Hugo set his pen down. I wasn’t aware there was anything in need of fixing. Except the matter of Her Grace. Anything within my purview, that is.

Clermont positively bristled with an edgy nervousness. He rubbed his nose in a manner that was decidedly unmannered. There’s something else. It’s come up just this morning. He glanced out the window, and his frown grew.

The library in Clermont’s London home was two floors off the ground, and claimed an uninspiring view. There was nothing to see out the window but a Mayfair square. Autumn had turned green leaves to brown and yellow. A small bit of fading grass and a few dingy shrubberies ringed a wrought-iron bench, upon which a woman was seated. Her face was occluded by a wide-brimmed bonnet decorated with a thin pink ribbon.

Clermont clenched his hands. Hugo could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.

But his words were casual. So, if I refuse to pander to the duchess’s ridiculous demands, you’d still work everything out, wouldn’t you?

Hugo gave him a stern look. Don’t even consider it, Your Grace. You know what’s at stake.

The other man folded his arms in denial. His Grace really didn’t understand the situation; that was the problem. He was a duke, and dukes had no notion of economization. Were it not for Hugo, Clermont’s vast estates would have collapsed years before under the weight of his debt. As it was, the books barely balanced—and they only did that because of the man’s recent marriage.

But she’s so unamusing, Clermont protested.

Yes, and a fine joke it will be to have your unentailed property repossessed. Convince your duchess that she well and truly wishes you back in her life. After that, you may laugh all you wish, Your Grace.

There had been money up front in the marriage settlement. But that had disappeared quickly, paying off lingering mortgages and troubling debts. The remainder of the duchess’s substantial dowry had been tied up in trust by the girl’s father—the funds to be released on a regular schedule, so long as the duke kept his wife happy.

Alas. The duchess had decamped four months ago.

Clermont pouted. There was no other word for it; his shoulders slumped and he kicked at the edge of the carpet like a petulant child. And here I thought all my money worries were over. What do I hire you for, if not to—

"All your money worries were over, Your Grace. Hugo drummed his fingers on the table. And how many times must I remind you? You don’t hire me. If you hired me, you’d pay me wages."

Hugo knew too much about the duke’s prospects to accept anything so futile as a promise of salary. Salaries could be delayed; wagers, on the other hand, sanctified by the betting book at White’s, were inviolable.

Yes, the duke groused, and about that. You said that all I had to do was find an heiress and say whatever it took to make her happy. He scowled at the carpet underfoot. I did. Now look where it’s got me—every shrewish bitch in the world thinks it her right to harp at me, over and over. When will it end?

Hugo raised his head and looked Clermont in the eyes. It didn’t take long—just a few seconds of an intent stare—and the man dropped his chin and looked away, as if he were the employee and Hugo his master.

It was embarrassing. A duke should have known how to take charge. But no; Clermont was so used to having others bow before his title that he’d never learned to command by force of personality.

There appears to have been a miscommunication. Hugo steepled his fingers. "I never told you to say whatever it took to make her happy."

You did! You said—

"I told you to do whatever it took to make her happy."

Sometimes, Clermont was like a little child—as if nobody had ever taught him right from wrong. At this, he wrinkled up his nose. What’s the difference?

"What you said was that you’d love her forever. What you actually did was marry her and take up with an opera singer three weeks later. You knew you had to keep that girl happy. What were you thinking?"

I bought her a bracelet when she complained! How was I supposed to know she wanted fidelity from me?

Hugo focused on the papers on his desk. Even his own late, unlamented father had managed fidelity: sixteen children worth of it, to be precise. But this was no time to remind the duke of his wedding vows. He sighed.

Win her back, he said softly. It was his future at stake, too. After all, he wasn’t an employee, receiving a salary for his hard work. He operated on a form of commission—on wagers, to be exact, in the language of the financially incompetent duke. If he brought the duke through the end of this year in one piece, he’d win five hundred pounds. That wasn’t just money; those five hundred pounds would be the means to begin his own empire.

He’d worked three years on that hope. When he considered, briefly, the possibility that he might lose… He could almost see the shadowy figure of his father standing over him. You bloody useless git. You’ll never be anybody.

He shook his head, sending those darker thoughts scattering. He wasn’t going to be just anybody. He was going to be the wealthiest coal miner’s son in all of England.

But Clermont wasn’t meeting his eyes. Instead, he frowned and looked out the window. It’s not quite so simple.

That woman was still sitting on the bench. She’d turned her head to the side, and Hugo caught a glimpse of profile—snub nose, a smudge of pink for her lips.

You see, Clermont muttered, there was this governess.

Hugo rolled his eyes. Any confession that started thus could not end well.

Clermont gestured. It happened over the summer, when I was seeing to business at Wolverton Hall.

Hugo translated this mentally: The duke had been drinking himself silly with his useless friends after his wife had flounced off and his father-in-law had tied off the once-generous purse strings. But no point in insisting on honesty from the man. He’d never get it.

In any event, Clermont said, pointing to the bench outside, that’s her, now. Waiting. Demanding compensation from me.

Your pardon? Hugo shook his head in confusion.

The duke huffed. Must I spell it out? She wants things from me.

Had he thought the duke a child? An infant, more like. Hugo kept his voice calm. Between seeing to business at Wolverton Hall and a governess waiting outside your home demanding compensation, there are a great many events missing. For what is she demanding compensation? Who brought this matter to your attention?

She caught me just now, when I was returning from…well, never mind where I was, the duke said. She was on the street, waiting for the carriage to arrive.

And what does she want? Hugo persisted.

Clermont gave an unconvincing laugh. Nothing! Nothing, really. I, uh, at Wolverton Hall, I saw that she was good with the younger children. So I offered her a position taking care of my son.

Your as-yet-unborn child.

Yes, Clermont mumbled. Exactly. And so she quit her position at Wolverton. And then I had no work to offer her because the duchess had left. Now she’s angry, too.

The story didn’t sound remotely plausible. Hugo considered, briefly, calling His Grace a liar. But it wouldn’t do any good; long experience had taught him that once the duke made up a story, he’d hold to it doggedly, no matter how many holes one poked in it.

She says she’ll sit there until she receives compensation, Clermont said. I do believe she means it. You see my dilemma. If everything works out well, I’ll be bringing back the duchess in a matter of weeks. This is devilishly awkward timing. The old girl will think…

…That you seduced and ruined a servant? Hugo asked dryly. That was where he would place his money.

But Clermont didn’t even blush. Right, he said. "You can see the very idea is absurd. And of course I did no such thing—you know that, Marshall. But matters being what they are, she needs to be gone by the time I return."

Did you force her? Hugo asked.

Clermont did flush at that. Gad, Marshall. I’m a duke. I have no need to force women. He frowned. What do you care anyway? They don’t call you the Wolf of Clermont for your conscience.

No. They didn’t. But Hugo still had one. He just tried not to remember it.

Hugo looked out the window. Easy enough. I’ll have the constables take her in for vagrancy or disturbing the peace.

Ah…no. Clermont coughed lightly.

No?

"I wouldn’t precisely say it was a good idea to put her into a courtroom. You know how they have those reporters there, writing a few lines for the papers. Someone might ask questions. She might invent stories. And while I could certainly quash any legal inquiry, what if word of this got back to Helen? You know how touchy she is on the subject of other women."

No,

Reviews for The Governess Affair

[pnrlist · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great short story that makes me look forward to the series. I laughed out loud a couple of times - the banter between the hero and heroine was great. I almost never like stories with pregnancies in them, but this didn't dominate the relationship so it was fine, and played into a favorite trope. So far I am really enjoying Courtney Milan!

[sunnydrk · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This could have been a really good book but, the set up was way to quick and the epilogue was random. I did like the characters and the development was good.

[whatsmacksaid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was so romantic. I was trapped on a terrible, transcontinental flight and this was a wonderful escape.

(ETA: cw for rape prior to the story's opening, of the main female character by the love interest's employer.)

[ladypembroke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tasty little morsel of a novella that I am guessing leads into the main characters for the rest of the series. While these two leads tumbled rather quickly into love, I rather like the way it happened. Sure, she is a "fallen woman" and he is supposed to be a notorious "thug", but somehow, they end up with their HEA. I am looking forward to digging into the banquet that is the rest of Milan's novels.

[lillian9maddocks9389 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Can two people find love in the strangest way? Serena wants to do right by her unborn child, she will make the man that did this her pay. He won't get away with destroying her child's life, he has destroyed hers and she will get what is due to her child. Hugo has been tasked with getting rid of the problem, his employer wants her gone. Hugo is the most feared man as he gets things done. But after meeting her he just can't seem to harm her. He does try but there is realizes that he can offer her a better life. Will she accept his offer of marriage even if it comes with no love?A great story loved it all. The under dog deserves to win. I received a copy via Librarything and the author

[marcella1717 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lots of conversations between the protagonists, which drives this novella. I liked it a lot.

[castiron_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a hard-to-put-down read. Serena and Hugo have both been through terrible events in their pasts, but they're both strong people who deserve each other and are good for each other. I was eager to see how they would resolve the real problems keeping them apart, and the resolution worked for me.

[thatotter-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Yes, I read this, and no, I didn't like this very much. I think liking a romance novel is really an exception to the rule for me, but somehow I keep trying.

[cynditefft · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first taste of Courtney Milan and I really enjoyed it! I'll definitely be reading more of hers now.

[unreachableshelf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quick, enjoyable read. I loved watching the hero and heroine spar and the notes that they sent to each other.

[thehistorychic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Listened for Fun (Audible)Tracking Books Read Review (Short)Overall Rating: 4.25Story Rating: 4.00Character Rating: 4.50Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)First Thought when Finished: The Governess Affair had elements that I normally hate but it totally worked in this story.Overall Thoughts: Here is the deal: I am not really a fan of novellas and can only think of a handful of times that one has caused me to buy a whole series. The Governess Affair did that even with elements that I don't normally like. I will warn you that for a novella, it deals with a pretty heavy subject matter. It is handled with care and done wonderfully. I really enjoyed this and hope the rest of the series is as unique.Audio Thoughts: Narrator: Rosalyn Landor/Running Time: 3 h 50 min Rosalyn Landor is my FAVORITE Historical narrator. I have come to the conclusion that she can do no wrong in my book. She has the perfect voice for historical settings.

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This takes place before the first book in The Brothers Sinister Series. I am pretty new to Regency Romance but I can tell that I am going to love Courtney Milan's books. I love that Serena and Hugo don't just fall madly in love right away, they struggle towards love. They both have something in their past that is holding them back. I really grew to connect with both of them throughout the novella. My only complaint with this is that it was really short. Although I do understand that it was a novella, I just wish it could have been full length. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

[moriahjovan_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It was a sweet read--if I remember correctly. I would have rated it 3 stars except I couldn't remember I'd read it (I believe 3 months ago). I had to re-read the blurb and think about it for a minute. Since I remember UNLOCKED (and would still rate it the same), that I can't remember this one (with a more memorable title) earns it a lower rating than I would have otherwise.

[morana.mora · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this story. Even though it is only a hundred or so pages long, it isn't rushed. Its characters are common people. Both Hugo Marshall and Serena Barton are great characters. Neither is annoying even with their personal issues.

Serena Barton has decided to sit in front of the house of a horrible duke who is responsible for getting her fired. She seeks justice.
Hugo Marshall, the Wolf of Clermont, is the one who should make her go away by any means necessary. What the duke didn't expect is how Hugo's childhood memories would play a great role in this governess situation. I love this character. Hugo Marshall is a man who is not even aware how larger than life he is.

This is a beautiful story with dark tones and those who like historical romances shouldn't wait to read this.
I loved the bitter sweet epilogue (it is not about the two main characters).

[renrav · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting start to a new series. I liked the characters and writing and I look forward to continuing the series.

[caro_9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amusing, quick read (very quick read). This had actually been on my Kindle long enough that I forgot it was a novella prologue to a series. Interesting way to introduce the characters -- one of the best openings I're read in a while, but I found myself a little unsatisfied with the way we left Serena and Hugo. I wanted more!

[kingrat_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A duke has a problem with a woman, and asks his fixer to take care of it. There's going to be sparks.I wasn't riveted, but it's a decent teaser kind of book. Good enough that I might try another of het books down the road.

[tldegray-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm just here for the flirtatious banter.

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Really, a tough unhappy man brought to right by love. Ah, well, it's what's expected, as I guess is the sanctioned sex. Not what I look for, but it suits if it's what seek.

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable read, perfect for snuggling in with on a weekend or something. p.s. I pictured Tom Hardy in the Hugo role and would highly recommend it! ;) =D

[narshkite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novella is a super fast easy read to set up the series. I love Serena and Hugo, and really look forward to seeing what comes from their union.

[haymaai · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

‘The Governess Affair’ by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novella. Serena Barton is a governess whose reputation has been ruined by an unscrupulous duke. To extract justice and compensation for his unfair act, Serena lingers outside of his home in an act of protest. The duke’s henchman, Hugo Marshall, who is called the Wolf of Clermont, is merciless in dealing with Serena, until he comes to realize that he has met his match in this strong-willed, ethical, and determined woman. The author cleverly portrays the interesting relationship that develops between Hugo and Serena, and as they spar with words, the characters become more appealing and fascinating. I very much enjoyed this novella, and I will surely read more of Courtney Milan’s books in the future.

[mickyfine · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hugo Marshall has aspirations and when his employer, the Duke of Clermont, asks him to deal with the young woman who sits on the bench opposite his Mayfair home and refuses to move until the Duke makes restitution, Hugo has very little option. But Serena Barton is a far more difficult adversary than Hugo expected, particularly as he finds himself very sympathetic to her cause.This novella is actually the first entry in the Sinister Brothers series, but ebook holds being what they are, I didn't read it until I was midway through. That placement actually made the book even more enjoyable as I discovered the back story for Robert and Oliver after I had already encountered them in their own novels. While the subject matter of this brief novella isn't always easy, the book was well done and I devoured it in the course of a couple hours.

[capnrandm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm normally not a novella person, but this on satisfied. I didn't really get the "either/or" drama behind the climax, but the character interactions were very satisfying.

[beckymmoe_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! The back-and-forth between Serena and Hugo was fabulous, and the story itself was very satisfying. It was exactly what I needed to read at the time I read it.

[readerlas · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The plot was way too complex for a short story. Beautifully written, as usual for Courtney Milan, but what would have been character growth and evolution in a full-length novel came across as out-of-character behavior and lazy shortcuts in this novella.

[readsalot81 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a novella, I know it's supposed to be shorter, but I didn't want the story to end. Entertaining read!

[ktleyed · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this novella and prequel to the Brothers Sinister series. Young governess insists on getting what is owed to her after a loutish duke gets her in the family way. She sits in a park across from the duke's town house every day. His henchman, the Wolf of Clermont must set thing right, but winds up falling under the spell of Serena, the governess, instead. Their courtship is unusual. A very special little story and I really loved ending too. A little gem.

[fishgirl182 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh, Courtney Milan. I really hope you never stop writing because I pretty much love everything you put out. Milan’s recently released The Governess Affair is a short novella that kicks off the start of a new series coming out this summer. While short in length, The Governess Affair manages to have the emotional depth and punch of a full length novel. The story starts off by introducing us to Serena Barton, said governess of the title, who comes to town demanding recompense from the Duke of Clermont for as yet unknown damages. The Duke, a selfish and cowardly man, instructs his right hand man Hugo Marshall to get rid of her. Nicknamed the Wolf of Clermont, Hugo is a brilliant and ruthless man who always gets what he wants. What he doesn’t bargain for is being attracted to the stubborn governess. The Duke’s questionable and less than honorable actions make his job even harder as his admiration for Serena grows.As usual, I fell in love with the characters that Milan created. Hugo, despite his ruthless reputation, has more honor than he realizes. I loved the small, kind things he did for Serena like bringing her tea in the rain. And Serena, finding herself in an extremely difficult position, doesn’t give up or run away. Instead, she is determined and fearless in her quest to secure her future. The pair have fantastic chemistry and I had fun watching them trade playful barbs while fighting their growing attraction to each other. There’s one major love scene in the book that is sensual and sweet and will have you looking at hairpins in a totally new way. I also really enjoyed the clever notes that Serena and Hugo traded throughout the book. Milan isn’t one for easy answers or happy endings not earned and there is always a bittersweet quality to her stories. But it just makes it better when the characters do finally find their way because it truly feels like they belong together. Milan injected just enough angst into Serena and Hugo’s story to have me worried for a bit. But happily, it doesn’t last too long and the ending left me sighing and happy. While some novellas often feel incomplete, the pacing and development in The Governess Affair are anything but. While I do wish it was longer (just to have more of Hugo and Serena) it is a satisfying and complete story on its own. The last part of the book sets up background for the rest of the Sinister Brothers series and only made me want to know more. Another great read by Courtney Milan, one that you will not want to miss. I can’t wait for summer to come and the next book in the series, The Duchess War, to come out. The novella is currently only $0.99 in ebook format so you really have nothing to lose. Go ahead, get it, and thank me later. :)

[estellechauvelin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quick, enjoyable read. I loved watching the hero and heroine spar and the notes that they sent to each other.