The Governess and the Duke in Grief

by Emily Barnet

A grieving duke. A determined governess. A house filled with secrets.

Miss Gillian Audley accepts a governess position at Clarenwood, knowing her family’s future depends on it. But nothing prepares her for the eerie whispers haunting its halls, or the brooding duke who seems more ghost than man.

Marcus Carmichael, Duke of Clarenwood, has locked his heart away, tormented by his wife’s mysterious death and the scandal that still lingers. He expects little from Miss Audley, until her quiet strength and kindness begin to thaw the ice around his soul.

But Clarenwood hides more than sorrow. As dark secrets stir and unseen threats close in, Gillian and Marcus must confront the past before it destroys their chance at love.

Would you like to emphasize any specific element more, romance, mystery, or intrigue?

*If you enjoy strong-willed characters, simmering romance, and a story packed with intrigue, don’t miss your chance to read this enchanting Historical Romance novel.

No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after guaranteed to warm your heart.

Also available with Kindle Unlimited!

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2025

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful ‘from dark to light’ story! Marcus Carmichael, the Duke of Clarenwood, was distraught and devastated after the death of his beloved wife Isabella. For two years he was angry and grief-stricken. He also felt guilty for avoiding his daughter, but the fact that Cecily looked so much like Isabella prohibited him from consoling her, so he just watched as a plethora of governesses paraded through his daughter’s life. Now at the age of nine, Cecily was quiet, withdrawn and expected to have to adjust to yet another governess. Although Gillian Audley had heard many rumors regarding the Duke, she desperately needed the money from this governess position to send to her family in order for them to keep their home. Glancing out of his study’s window, Marcus happened to observe Gillian’s arrival and felt a strange pull towards her as she descended from the hackney. Fast forward and Cecily has blossomed under Gillian’s care, and Marcus has begun finding excuses to visit the school room. Although their social standings were vastly different, it was becoming rather apparent that Marcus and Gillian had developed feelings for each other. Hiding their attraction became tricky when his aunt insisted upon throwing a house party for the Duke’s birthday, which included a few ‘eligible’ young ladies, family friends and his cousin Darwin and Isabella’s cousin Beatrice. When disaster struck and horrors were revealed, Marcus chose love over social expectations. This author does a spectacular job of portraying extreme emotions. You can feel the intensity of Marcus’ despair as he drowns in grief, and the levity of his joy as he engages with his new family. The characters range from simpering to fear-inducing, with Seraphina, Peter and Lily supplying steady unconditional support. There are endearing moments as well as horrifying ones, and secrets and duplicity abound. This story will take you on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride as you root for Marcus to choose happiness over duty. Loved it!

[Bert Kubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and absorbing!

From the opening scene, Emily Barnet's novel, The Governess and The Duke in Grief captured and held my
interest. There is a quality of dignity, strength and kindness in the leading characters that is a joy to see.
Though society during the few years of the Recency were strict in their rules regarding hierarchy, there were those
who did not adhere and followed their hearts to marry for love; sweet story.

[Frances Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story.

Sweet young lady whose family was going through a very tough time and thus sought employment as a governess. A sad Duke, who had tragically lost his wife too early. Sweet little girl dealing with loss. Some intrigue. Whirlwind of an ending.

The book was nicely written, keeping my interest. Good plot. Clean.

[Judith Syren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

What I thought was going to be another Governess falls in love with Duke story ended full of surprises which included deception, lies and intrigue. The characters are very engaging and the plot exciting. Definitely worth reading.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

She becomes a governess to help her family. He is a widower, with a young child who needs to heal. A sweet and intriguing story that will keep you going from beginning to end. Well written and evenly paced.

[Shari Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

The setting is great. I love the twist. If you are looking for an interesting story check out this or other books Ms. Barnet has published. Each one is worth reading twice.

[Mcgrath5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed reading this book

From the beginning, you knew something was amiss with the death of Marcus’s first wife. Definitely intriguing! It’s a great read. Hope I didn’t give anything away.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief

Grief can cause much pain as told in this story.
The Unexpected often comes and we do not always know the the response.
Joy comes when we lease expect it.
A great read. I recommend.

Tina

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much mystery but definitely more interesting than the typical duke and governess novel.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Governess and the Duke in Grief

Oh my gosh this was a fantastic story. I found it very entertaining. The story line was very well written and I enjoyed the ending.

[Beckie Johnson Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Marcus & Gillian's story, and so will you. The intrigue kept me guessing. Thanks, Emily, for writing a wonderful story.

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will immediately draw you in. There is mystery, deception, friendship, loyalty and romance. You will want to read this all in one sitting if possible.

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story with a good plot. Held my attention and I enjoyed it! The characters were a bit broken and it made them seem real and authentic.

[Veniece · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book.

[Margaret Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This is a fantastic story within a story. It's an intriguing and heartfelt romance with a scandalous mystery solved and the culprits captured.

[Reeva Brumley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very romantic

This was a very romantic story. It was very realistic and I enjoyed it immensely.
I would highly recommend this book.

[toya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had all the right elements but it never hit it's stride