The Cinderella Governess

Once upon a time...

Joanna Radcliff has always dreamed of the day when she’d become a governess and finally be part of a proper family. Except, instead of a warm welcome, she’s given a frosty reception by her employers—and her charges! The only person who pays her any attention is the dashing Major Preston...

Despite their stolen conversations and tantalizing glances in the ballroom, Luke and Joanna know that their stations in life are just too different. But when this Cinderella governess’s life is transformed and their roles are reversed, will they risk everything to be together?

The Governess Tales

Sweeping romances with fairy-tale endings!

Meet Joanna Radcliff, Rachel Talbot, Isabel Morton and Grace Bertram.

These four friends grew up together in Madame Dubois’s school for young ladies, where

they indulged in midnight feasts, broke the rules and shared their innermost secrets!

But now they are thrust into the real world, and each must adapt to her new life as a governess.

One will rise, one will travel, one will run and one will find her real home...

And each will meet her soulmate, who’ll give her the happy-ever-after she’s always dreamed of!

Read Joanna’s story in The Cinderella Governess

Available now

And look for:

Rachel’s story in Governess to the Sheikh

Isabel’s story in The Runaway Governess

And Grace’s story in The Governess’s Secret Baby

Coming soon!

Author Note

The Cinderella Governess was a treat for me to write and a unique experience. It was the first time I’d worked with so many talented people to craft a story and characters. It was a pleasure and an honour to collaborate with the other authors, to learn from them and to exchange ideas on character traits, locations and history. Together we developed the physical world of Madame Dubois’s school, deciding where it would be located and what it would look like. In the end we based it on the Mompesson House in Salisbury. Co-ordinating other locations throughout England between the four stories was also fun, and a good reason to do some interesting research—especially on the little-known beach resort of Sandhills.

In regards to the characters, the creation of Madame Dubois’s backstory was the most surprising part of the process for me. Her story was inspired by a line in the prologue that I’d added for a touch of humour. It caught people’s interest and was developed by the authors into a subplot which weaves its way throughout the four novels. This type of discovery arises from working with such creative authors and editors, and it’s what made writing The Cinderella Governess an exciting process that I will never forget.

The Cinderella Governess

Georgie Lee

www.millsandboon.co.uk

A lifelong history buff, GEORGIE LEE hasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then she fulfils her dreams of lords, ladies and a Season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any film with a costume and an accent. Please visit georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.

To the authors of The Governess Tales for all your creativity, collaboration and hard work.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Author Note

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

August 1811

‘Joanna, what are you doing in the library?’ Rachel gasped from the doorway.

‘I’m wondering if Madame Dubois would notice if I took this book with me.’ Joanna Radcliff clutched the thin volume of fairy tales between her hands and threw her friend a mischievous smile. ‘In case I have to thump the son of my soon-to-be employer should he make any untoward advances at me.’

Rachel rolled her brown eyes. ‘Sir Rodger’s sons are still boys and away at school. You won’t even be teaching them.’

‘Then I’ll use it to make his daughters behave.’ She laughed and Rachel joined in.

Joanna’s cheer faded as she slid the book in the gap on the shelf. This had been her favourite one as a child. It was as difficult to leave behind as her friends, but she couldn’t steal it. It would be a poor way to thank Madame Dubois for all her years of kindness.

‘Come on, the carriage will be here soon.’ Rachel took her by the hand and pulled her to the door. ‘We don’t have much time.’

They hurried out of the dark library and into the brightly lit entrance hall. Madame Dubois’s School for Young Ladies was a stately house on Cathedral Close facing Salisbury Cathedral. At one time it had been the home of a squire. Echoes of its history remained in the classical cornices above the doorways and the endless lengths of chair rails. The furnishings were less regal, but sturdy to accommodate the many young ladies who’d passed through its rooms over the years. The old rumour whispered to the new students stated it was one of Madame Dubois’s lovers who’d deeded her the house. To see the woman in her stern black, her dark hair shot with silver and pulled into a bun as severe as her stance, no one could believe she’d ever been swept away by a passion worthy of property.