The Accidental Marriage

by Marina Oliver

Published 1 January 2008
Julia has no portion, so can look forward to marriage only with an impecunious curate. Life as a governess or companion beckons. When her sister Fanny, with her husband Sir Frederick and their daughters, go to Vienna to visit his grandmother, she seizes the chance to go as governess to her nieces. In Vienna the congress which is to settle the fate of Europe after the Napoleonic wars is gathering.There she meets the attractive Sir Carey Fitzhugh, who has left his young fiancee, Angelica, behind in England. He is planning to return for a spring wedding, but becoming concerned at Angelica's infrequent letters.When Fanny sets off for home with some friends, Julia and her maid follow in another, slower coach. But there is an accident to Julia's coach in Bavaria. She loses all her belongings and is penniless, a long way from home. How will she resolve her problem and who will help?

A Disgraceful Affair

by Marina Oliver

Published 31 October 2008
Sylvie Delamare is incredulous when Sir George, her crusty, reclusive, great-uncle sends her GBP 20, saying it is half of what is left of her inheritance, due to her when she is twenty-one. Her parents were wealthy, and Sylvie, furious, determines to go to Norfolk and confront him. Meanwhile her friend Celia invites Sylvie to London where her aunt, Lady Carstairs, is to present her.Aubrey Fortescue, young, romantic and impressionable, falls in love with Sylvie, which annoys his older cousin. Sir Randal determines to foil any offer, as Aubrey is too young for marriage. He is suspicious of Sylvie, whose father was French, after seeing her with a Frenchman. M. Dupont is suspected if illiciting rebellion and spying for Napoleon. While following Dupont, who could be passing messages through smugglers, Sir Randal meets Sylvie in Norwich on her way to see Sir George. He offers her a lift, and becomes embroiled in her affairs.