A Governess He Never Expected: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Martha Barwood

“She is hiding from a dangerous past.
He is responsible for everything under his roof.
Trust could cost them both everything.”

Miss Harriet Sinclair has learned that knowledge can be perilous.

Once the cherished daughter of a respected antiquarian, Harriet now lives under an assumed name, her sharp mind concealed behind the modest position of a governess. After a violent event shatters her former life, anonymity becomes her only refuge. When desperation leads her to accept a post at Carendale Manor, she expects safety, and silence.

Instead, she finds two brilliant, unruly girls starved for guidance, and their Edward Cavendish, the Duke of Carendale.

Edward is fighting a losing battle. As guardian to his twin sisters, he has driven away every governess who dared attempt order. Society watches closely, scandal looms, and failure is unthinkable. When a chance encounter brings a reserved young woman with an exceptional mind into his household, Edward senses she is far more than she appears.

As Harriet brings structure and curiosity to Carendale Manor, Edward finds himself drawn to her intelligence and quiet strength. But her guarded silences and startled reactions raise questions neither can afford to answer.

When dangers from the past threaten the fragile trust growing between them, Harriet and Edward must decide how much they are willing to risk. Some truths destroy. Others demand courage, and faith in one another.

A clean Regency romance of hidden dangers, intellectual connection, and a slow-burn love built on trust.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after that will leave you smiling long after the final page.

Also, available with Kindle Unlimited.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

Reviews

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Harriet Sinclair, the daughter of a respected antiquarian, has to run from her home as she has seen her father murdered. By changing her name, Harriet had found a job as a governess. Unfortunately her employer thought young ladies should only be taught feminine accomplishments, she was dismissed without notice. She felt sure some other family needed a governess. She just hoped she could find them before her money ran out. Edward Cavendish, the Duke of Carendale, has twin sisters that seemed to run off every governess he hires. He has just been informed the last one has just left. As Edward is out for a walk, he hears a scuffle and then a woman's cry. Thinking of his two sisters, off he goes to see what is going on. He discovers the two men trying to at the least, rob Harriet or Helen as she is now known, He encourages the men to move along and helping Helen pickup her papers strewn on the ground, discovers she is a governess in need of a job. He offers her one on the spot and she accepts. Now what do you think will happen? You will need to read this very interesting story to find out what Helen teaches and how this incident will change her life.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the slow burning romance. The one downer was the villain talking about something that the heroine had that he wanted - that was never explained. The highly intelligent twins were very much part of the storyline. It must have been hard for the heroine to stay on the run so long. The hero was once deceived by a woman he thought he loved, but again the deception wasn’t very clear unless it was marrying someone else. The storyline was suspenseful and kept my interest.

[Rina Yagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read using Kindle Assistive Reader. I always enjoy a slow burn romance, especially if the heroine is intelligent and bookish, and no one is being a red flag. Coincidentally, I just finished Bridgerton #8 and it had the same climax lol but please give me bookish, intelligent FMC any time of the day, we honestly need more of them.

[Adelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

a governess he never expected

Enjoyable read!
4 stars only because of the ending. It felt a little bit childish and unbelievable but other than that I enjoyed reading it.

[Helena · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

A very nice relaxing story. I enjoyed this read. Good and clean writing. I recommend this book for anyone interested in a historical regency romance

[Vicky Dedda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Martha Barwood’s books they are of an exceptionally high standard for the amazing price of them. Plenty of drama, suspense and an overall great story.