Sunlight and Shadows - Clean Historical Regency Romance

By Christine Cross

Greenview Manor is a pleasant estate, and belongs to the well-respected Honeyfield family. Employed there are only the finest workers, including Miss Bannerman. When Mr. Honeyfield finally seeks to replace his butler, the entire household, including Miss Bannerman, is surprised when he hires Mr. Clarke, a young and handsome man. He soon discovers a family with a broken past and deep affection for one another. 

Miss Bannerman and Mr. Clarke immediately take an interest in one another, but fear what their fellow servants or the master of the house will think of their relationship. They go to great lengths to conceal it, and in the end, it proves to be a detrimental mistake. 

What will Mr. Honeyfield say if he discovers their secret? Will they ever be able to be together, and not have their relationship be limited to stolen moments, passing by one another in the halls?

A Standalone Short Story with no cliffhanger! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clean & Wholesome Romance Club
• Release date: Nov 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386109945

Book preview

Sunlight and Shadows

Chapter 1

Miss Bannerman

Mornings at Greenview manor were an absolute pleasure. I found that my favorite place in the early hours was the eastern staircase, as the sun shone through the tall windows, warming the air and casting long beams of light onto the steps, the earthly smell of the wood filling the air. It was perfect comfort, and I often took the long way back down to the kitchens to be able to feel the warm sunlight on my face as I descended.

Good morning, Miss Honeyfield, I curtsied to the youngest of the Honeyfield family as she approached the top of the staircase. The young miss was often awake far before the rest of her family, and took advantage of the quiet to explore the manor, especially the deep recesses of the library. Ms. Henrietta, the housekeeper, told me to keep an eye on her, as her curiosity would often lead her to places that would distress her poor father.

She beamed at me, her smile as bright as the dawn’s sunlight. Miss Bannerman, good morning! Her golden hair was still very curly from her infancy, and we never found any desire to hide it in a braid or a tight knot on top of her head. She was young still, barely five, and her father especially insisted that she remained that way as long as possible.

Where are you off to this fine morning?

She latched onto the railing and took a few steps down to me, and buried her small face into my apron. The library! Father told me before I fell asleep last night that he brought some new books home for me from Uncle Frederick!

She yawned wide and rubbed her eyes. I put my hand on her shoulder and helped lead her down the stairs.

How would you say to a spot of breakfast before you start your adventures? Then I will accompany you to the library and help you read all of these new books?

She hopped back and forth on her feet excitedly. That sounds splendid. Can we have some of Ms. Henrietta’s scones?

I laughed. I’m sure she would be pleased if you had a few!

After breakfast, I helped to lead the youngest Miss Honeyfield to the library, and by that time, the rest of the house had awoken and had joined together in the dining room for their breakfasts.

Miss Bannerman, I greatly appreciate your willingness to adjust your work to be able to help me care for young Marina more, Mr. Honeyfield said to me as he visited us in the library.

I inclined my head. Of course, Mr. Honeyfield. Whatever it is you need.

He nodded his head as well, and sighed. Things are just not the same around here.

No, sir, they are not.

We looked over at Miss Honeyfield, who sat happily and oblivious to the world, enthralled in her new books. I smiled sympathetically. We both watched her for a moment or two.

Please don’t forget the older children, Miss Bannerman, in your care for my little one.

I looked over at him. My Lord, I would not dream of such a thing.

He smiled. That gives me comfort. They love you dearly, and poor Judith would be beside herself with jealousy.

A distant look came