Scandalous Engagement with a Governess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Regency Expedient Marriages Book 2)
After her mother’s death, Hope got engaged to Lord Auric Pembroke, but he broke it off due to her father’s financial lies plunging her into great drama. With her father in debtor’s prison, Hope struggled to find work as a governess without references despite her good education and everything can go wrong living with a guarded Duke…
Miss Hope Barlow’s reputation was left in tatters when her fiancé called off their betrothal and her father was sent to debtor’s prison. Hope was forced to go stay with her aunt and cousin in a small London apartment. For the last two years, she has tried applying for a governess position but has been turned down several times despite her education as she has no references and has never worked as a governess before. Hope’s life takes an unexpected turn when she’s interviewed by an employment agency and given the position of governess to the Duke of Darenwood’s son. Little does she know that the duke is her long-lost childhood friend Ewan.
Ewan Darnall—The Duke of Darenwood—has been struggling with the grief of having lost his beloved wife Caroline two years ago. Ewan’s mother-in-law Margaret lives with Ewan and his young son Lucas. Margaret has been against Evan hiring a governess and isn’t happy when the governess turns out to be Ewan’s long lost childhood friend Hope. Margaret fears that if Ewan remarries she will be sent away. So she comes up with a scheme to ensure her position in Lucas’s life is secured.
As Ewan and Hope spend time together there is no denying the attraction between them. Will Ewan and Hope get their happily ever after or will outside forces tear them apart forever?
* Indulge in a delightful and captivating love story that blends Regency romance with suspense and heartfelt emotions. Scandalous Engagement with a Governess is the perfect novel for anyone who enjoys tales of passion and intrigue set in a bygone era.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after full of romance.
Enjoy reading!
Free with Kindle Unlimited.
Customer Reviews
P****1
A Slow, but Sweet Read
This book was a bit slow in parts, and was somewhat awkwardly or amateurishly written. All in all though, it is a sweet story.March 30, 2025
P*m
Love story
This story really showed how much love can be with 2 people that loved each other in childhood, Fate brought them back together. Beautiful story well written.November 21, 2024
R*****d
Easy
Fun readNovember 13, 2024
C***l
What a ‘fairytale’
Lost a star for the mistakes and confusions – Margaret starts as Grandmother but then becomes Mother. ??? Otherwise this is a very enjoyable story, populated with typical fairytale characters. Ewan the hero, manipulated and bullied by his mother Margaret, the Dowager Duchess, who is the Evil Queen. Hope, the sweet & kind Cinderella figure whose father lost their money, is cast from society & needs to work. Harriet the Wicked Witch in league with the Evil Queen, and her daughter Viola, unprincipled and unpleasant, willing to do anything to get what she wants. Lucas, the delightful child who helps bring the together. Loyal & faithful servants abound, and they save the day. Highly recommend ignoring the few mistakes & set to reading this book!June 20, 2024
C***************l
scandalous if not read
This is the second book I have read by this Author and would say that her books are well worth reading.June 11, 2024
R*****a
Can a young women from nobility, now destitute, find a job as a governess and happiness?
Dorothy Sheldon has done a wonderful job with this book. A young women of society engaged to be married and her father tells her they have no money and she has no dowery, obligated to tell her fiancé, he breaks off the engagement and worse yet her father is put in debtors prison. Staying with her aunt and cousin she has been trying to get a job as a governess, but without references she has been unsuccessful, until one agency decides she can have a job with a widowed duke teaching his young son. Neither realize that they already know each other from their youth when their mothers were friends. But now she is below him and his mother is not keen to have a beautiful young women as her grandson’s governess. She is afraid they will resume their friendship and her son might even consider marrying a governess!, disgraceful. So his mother works to keep them apart and find what she feels is a more suitable match for him. So will she succeed or will Hope and Duke Ewan find true love? Get this wonderful story and see. I highly recommend Dorothy’s regency romances and this one I thoroughly enjoyed. So buy it now and she what is in store for Ewan and Hope.April 11, 2024
C*******e
Poorly written
I couldn’t finish the book. It was obvious almost from the start that the writing was poor, but I tried to give it a chance. I feel like this novella was written by a 10th grader, but not for AP English. Also, how unrealistic is it for two people to instantly recognize each other from when they last saw each other at 6 and 8 years old to now at 24 and 26?! And the 8 year old boy had butterflies in his stomach because of a 6 year old girl? The word “flinch” was overused and I stopped reading at page 81, not even halfway through the book. The POV of Ewan was pretty bad, it didn’t sound like a man thinking, but a very sensitive woman. The people who gave this book 5 stars either haven’t read anything of quality before or they are ok with 10th grade writing.March 23, 2024
C******F
excellent author
Highly recommend this bookMarch 21, 2024
K*************r
Excellent story
This is truly an amazing story of the power of love. Even with the conspiracy and treachery to squash it it grows stronger.February 28, 2024
M***e
Satisfying
The story has a very satisfying ending. It is so nice to see a father who loves his son and is very concerned for his welfare. The scheming grandmother makes a wonderful mini-villian.January 25, 2024
K*************r
Back the way it was
It’s hard to imagine how strict society can be. Hope was fortunate to be reunited with her childhood friend. The ending was perfect.November 21, 2023
P******o
No Problem
As always fast shipping.November 8, 2023
D******.
Sad and hilarious at the same time
Sad and hilarious at the same time. Avery good book. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and conflict.October 19, 2023
K*************r
Lovr almost lost
I loved reading this book. Although things were bad for hope for awhile she met her dearest friend again. Got together and got marriedOctober 18, 2023
V*****G
Love knows no bounds.
An excellent read with believable characters and situations. Alot of thought was put into this story and how it was to play out. Though I like to have an extended epilogue to fill in some questions, the end does help to satisfy my curiosity.September 28, 2023
A*************r
Scandalous Engagement with a Governess
Very good reading. The Duke had lost a spouse he cared for but in reality Hope had lost everything. Her dowry, her home, her father, her betrothed all at time. That is devastating in one swift sweep. As a reader, I glad the Duke saw through his mother even though he loved her. I doubt the Duke’s mother will ever come to terms that what she did was wrong and that is a sad because she will miss so much in life not being close to her grandchildren.September 28, 2023
c*********r
A sweet read.
A fun easy read with some good obstacles. I’d read it again. Great characters, especially the main character and the grandmother. She wouldn’t give up on her goal even though she was entirely wrong.September 25, 2023
D****7
A very enjoyable romance!
4 1/2 stars. This was a very nice romance! Ewan was an unpretentious type of duke, a widower who loved his small son. His childhood friend Hope unexpectedly became his son’s governess. Their childhood friendship brought back memories and they fell in love as adults. Ewan’s mother created serious problems with her interference, but they managed their happy ending. This is a good story for all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed it!September 17, 2023
C***********.
Sweet, Clean
I felt this story was well written and the characters were interesting. It’s a clean historical romance which was a pleasure to find.September 7, 2023
T************m
Good Guys or Bad Guys – Take Your Choice
The characters in this book were definitely divided into good and evil – no in-betweens. With their strong, flamboyant personalities, the bad guys took center stage. There was a narcissistic mother conniving to force her widowed son to marry a woman of her choosing against his will; an overbearing society matron and her shallow, self-absorbed daughter scheming right along with the narcissistic mother; and, a rude viscount with a superiority complex and a holier-than-thou attitude who verbally and all but physically assaulted the heroine of the story in Hyde Park. I thought the portrayals of these four unlikeable characters, were overdone and exaggerated to the point where they seemed to be caricatures and not at all believable. On the flip side, the H and h, the family servants and the young son of the H were nice to everyone, however pushed to the limit they might be by the nasty dispositions, the underhanded plots and uncalled-for remarks of the not-so-pleasant people around them. Although the H and h were supposed to be the main characters of the story, their personalities were flat and colorless, not memorable at all. Not a lot going on there, although the H did assert himself towards the end of the book and thwart his mother’s machinations to ruin his life. The Duke’s son was supposed to be 6 years old; however, his language skills, spelling and composition abilities were far and away more advanced than any 6 year old I have been around. Algebra was supposedly part of his lesson plan – really – at 6 years old? Some grammatical errors littered the story, and while I have read books with even more errors, as well as even more egregious errors, the grammatical mistakes in this story were obvious and should have been caught and corrected before the book was published.September 6, 2023
K*************r
Good story
The characters were believable. The story moved along at a reasonable pace. There were parts describing the scenery a little too much, but all in all a good story with a predictable ending.September 1, 2023
M**B
Wonderful book !!
I knew from the very beginning that I was going to love this story and I did. Hope and Ewan were childhood friends until Ewan’s father became a duke and they moved away and cut ties with Hope’s family. When they meet again Ewan is a Duke and Hope has become the Governess to his young son. There is immediate attraction but forces (his mother and another woman who wants to be his mother-in-law) conspire to tear them apart and force him into an unwanted marriage. Ewan’s Valet comes to the rescue and warns him thus saving the day (or a lifetime of misery for the Duke) All ends well in the wonderful clean love story. I highly recommend it.August 29, 2023
E***B
Very Good
I loved the book. It was well written and had a wonderful storyline. (Received a advanced copy from the author and am writing a honest review)August 29, 2023
s**********r
The Friendship Of Long Ago
A lovely story with very interesting characters. I loved the story from the very beginning to the very end. Please proofread carefully!August 28, 2023
L**************s
Adorable
A satisfying romance that ticks all the boxes. Heartbreak, injustice, adversity, a strong heroine and masterful hero. The past and the present conspire to keep them apart. Yummy!August 25, 2023
M************d
A wonderful book!,
I so enjoyed this engaging story…. I couldn’t put it down! The characters were so real and descriptions so believable!, I recommend this book to all who enjoy Regency Romance. Thank you Dorothy!, MarciaAugust 25, 2023
j*****s
Sweet story
Hope and Ewan as children swear to always be friends but life has a way of intervening. When they meet again as adults can their friendship continue or does fate have other plans? Lovely, sweet story with endearing characters but somewhat predictable.August 22, 2023
k**********o
Love triumphs
Hope and Ewan were the best of friends in childhood, but once his father became duke the family left for the country and he never saw Hope again… until she arrived at his house as the new governess. Her father’s gambling had landed him in debtor’s prison and she lost everything, including her fiance (in hindsight, a lucky escape), forcing her to seek employment. The two find that their feelings of friendship are still strong, and growing into something more. Ewan’s mother is very rigid and proud, with strict ideas about what is proper and acceptable regarding class and gender roles. She is determined to force Ewan to marry the spoiled, insufferable Lady Viola, who Ewan despises. Until Hope reappeared in his life, he was sure he would never remarry, as he had truly loved his wife. Now he’s trying to avoid the scheming of his mother, Lady Viola, and her mother, Lady Harriet, and make sure his son Lucas is safe and loved. Ewan had a lot more patience with his mother than I would have had in his position. It was a relief when he finally put her in her place, after she went too far. Enjoyable story. Needs proofreading.August 18, 2023
B***Y
Great story
Well written and very entertaining. I didn’t want to put it down. Liked the hero and heroine, and was glad that the villains got what they deserved.August 17, 2023
C*m
Fun, clean romance
This is such a sweet love story about being reunited! The son of the main character became one of my favorite characters and I would love to see his story later on! One thing I love about Dorothy Sheldon’s books is how different each character is in each book, yet I can relate to different aspects of each. This book is a must read for all clean romance fans!August 17, 2023
T******.
Hope and Ewin story
I loved this book. It was easy to get caught up from the beginning, wanted to read it everyday and stay up all night reading this book. It was hard reading that Ewin just did what his mother wanted even though she was selfish and planned for her benfit not for his. She was so mean that I wanted to tell her off. Hope was a Saint to be able to keep her mouth shut when his mother was a bully. I love the good ending.August 17, 2023
A*g
Lov
This was a wonderful story about, riches to rags and back to riches. But it’s always great to know that in spite of obstacles that love will prevail. Even if others try to block your way, love will not be denied and sometimes when you try to hurt someone who has shown nothing but kindness, that your interference can cause things to backfire on you. That’s what happen in this story. The mother of Duke Ewan was trying to ignore where she (the mother) can from, now that they had come up in society, but tried to put down Ewan’s childhood friend, who’s family had fallen in society’s eyes (due to her father losing his fortune and was now in debtor’s prison) and because she was now a governess. The Dowager did not want her son (Duke Ewan) to have anything to do with Hope Barlow (the governess). But it was the Dowager herself that was sent away and the Duke got to have his happily ever after, with the woman he was in love with. Great story to read.August 17, 2023
D******n
Fated Surprise
Hope and Ewan were childhood playmates until suddenly they weren’t. Ewan’s father became a duke they moved to the country and turned their backs on previous relationships. Hope’s family became financially ruined, and she was left at the alter once her fiancé found out the status. Now with Hope’s father in debtor’s prison she has to find her own way. Living with an aunt she applies for a position as governess. She finally was accepted to a position. Imagine her surprise when her new employer was Ewan. Each were delighted but his snobbish mother instantly put them in their place. Ewan and Hope tried to remind themselves that they needed to keep the distance. Ewan’s mother kept a sharp eye on the couple and invited another lady to the home that she felt was what Ewan needed. ARC ReviewAugust 16, 2023
A*************r
I didn’t run an it
It had grammatical errors and I lost interest in it about 1/4 of the way through. Sorry, but not her best effort in writing.August 16, 2023
S****n
Friendship
This is a well written story. Some of the things brought up are interesting. The best part to me is that friendship stands the tests of time and distance.August 16, 2023
T******s
Nice storyline
The twists and turns in this story made it very enjoyable for me. We can all relate to someone who has fallen from grace in life, and deserves a second chance. We can also relate to a meddling mother/mother in law in life as well. The main character had a fitting name of hope in this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this family and their journey to happiness.August 16, 2023
B************i
Good story…happy ending
I have read many books by this author and this has been my favorite. It has all the qualities of her other works but there was something special about this one. The characters were well written, likable and some of them very unlikeable. The story was very good starting with Hope and Ewan beginning childhood friends and then finding themselves together again under very different circumstances. Hope’s father gambled everything away and she had to become a governess. Meanwhile, Ewan’s wife passed away and he needed a governess for his young son Lucas. When Hope went to Ewan’s house for employment neither knew they would see each other again especially in this way. They both realized they had feelings for each other but it was different since they were older and society had a certain way of thinking…dukes don’t love governesses. The story was refreshing, showing Ewan being such a good father to his son and Hope carrying on with her life even when she had to deal with no money and being considered a much lower status in society. I highly recommend the book.August 16, 2023
G**.
reward
Hope and Ewan both have to deal with fatal blows so who is his mother or society to deny them their second chance at happiness? Conventions and selfishness often have a negative impact on others’lives, but we should keep in mind nobody is safe from unwanted twists of fate.August 15, 2023
a**********n
Cool
FunAugust 15, 2023
A*************r
Enjoyable read.
It seems the heart always knows best. This story is surprising at what lengths were taken to find a match in Victorian times.August 15, 2023
J*d
Excellent story!
Hope’s father was never the same after the death of her mother leaving them financially destitute from bad investments and gambling. He’s off to debtor’s prison and she must find employment. Who would have thought she would be hired by an old childhood friend. Great love story, captivating plot and engaging characters.August 14, 2023
O*****a
Amazing Read
This is what Regency Romance is all about! Dorothy weaves the tale of people who are rich, not so rich and in need of earning an honest living. How the rich don’t always have the perfect life. How lives intertwine for dramatic scenes as well as very humorous one’s. This is an extremely excellent storyline that you won’t want to miss. There’s amazing twists and turns, watching the characters change a bit and grow. I highly, highly recommend this to any and every one that truly loves Regency Romances. You won’t be disappointed, I can give you that guarantee. Just looking at the cover had my interest!!!August 14, 2023
C***y
Most Excellent Lord
How can you not notice an alluring Lady no matter what her presumed station in life? I thoroughly enjoyed this book Scandalous Engagement with a Governess by Dorothy Sheldon. This is a super fantastic read.August 14, 2023
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.August 14, 2023
A**e
Great story
Hope and Ewan were childhood friends. Years later Hope’s father is in prison and Ewan is a Duke. His wife passed away leaving him with a son. Hope finds a position as a governess working for Ewan. Unfortunately his mother, who has been in charge of the household, does not care for Hope. This story has many twists and turns before Hope and The Duke have a happy ending.August 14, 2023
l********r
Best Friends forever
After her father’s fall from grace, she had been searching for a position for 2 years without success. when a position became available as governess to a widower’s daughter, it is with her one time ‘friend forever’. His domineering mother ignores any previous friendship and is determined to make life difficult for her, although her granddaughter obviously adores her. Inviting a young lady and her mother to stay, hoping to interest her son in marriage. When this fails she tries to compromise him with the young lady, but the plan is discovered and love and truth prevail. An entertaining story, easy to read and enjoy.August 14, 2023
r**e
Love story
Super well written, fast paced book. Full of drama, intrigue, love, romance and twists and turns. Another great book by this author. Hope’s life has been going downhill after her father is put into prison and her engagement is broken. She now is living in London trying to find work as a governess but having no luck. She finally is able to find a job with a Duke. Ewan has lost his wife and feels that he needs to find a governess for his son. His mother in law is there and doesn’t really like the idea of someone moving into the house and replacing her or the memory of her daughter. She also doesn’t like the fact that Ewan and Hope were friends in the past. Both starts to find feelings for each other but her past (her father’s) has caused problems for them, plus with the help of his in law more pressure is placed on both of them. Great book which has a wonderful storyline/plot along with well defined, strong characters. A must read so curl up and enjoy. Would recommend this book and the rest in this series. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.August 14, 2023
A*************r
great
This book was an excellent read. It is fast for those people who only have so much time to read in a day. —–HeatherAugust 14, 2023
Jo
Young friends
Did you ever go to school with someone when you were really young and then suddenly meet up with them again years later? If so this story is for you. As it will remind you of those you have forgotten or those you have reconnected with. Hope and Ewan meet again after years and their lives become entwined in this romantic and drama filled story. Well written with very intense characters.August 14, 2023
N********n
Good story.
I enjoyed the storyline of these two childhood friends being reunited. The heroine is a very intelligent and caring woman. The hero is a widower coming to grips with his grief. He has a very manipulative and controlling mother, who along with her friend and her friend’s daughter have plans for him to remarry. The hero’s son is a great character. It is a sweet story although you get frustrated by how much his mother interferes.August 14, 2023
