Regency Intrigue Series by Marion Chesney, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester

To escape her cruel uncle’s guardianship, a debutante agrees to marry a man she despises in this regency romance from a New York Times–bestselling author.   After her parents’ death, Elizabeth Markham is reduced to the unspeakable class of poor relation. Forced to live with her cruel, miserly uncle, Elizabeth is forbidden to participate in the season’s festivities... moreTo escape her cruel uncle’s guardianship, a debutante agrees to marry a man she despises in this regency romance from a New York Times–bestselling author.   After her parents’ death, Elizabeth Markham is reduced to the unspeakable class of poor relation. Forced to live with her cruel, miserly uncle, Elizabeth is forbidden to participate in the season’s festivities. Realizing that marriage is her only escape, she enacts a daring plan to trick her way into the Duke of Dunster’s exclusive house party and snare one of the eligible bachelors.   At the party, Elizabeth flirts with all but the arrogant Lord Charles Lufford, though he’s considered to be quite a catch. But when her uncle discovers her deception, it is Charles who comes to her rescue—by announcing their engagement!   Meanwhile, Elizabeth has come into an inheritance. And her uncle, along with another sinister party, would rather see her dead than receive it. Even if she begins to see Charles for the kindhearted man he is, will their match be enough to save her?   A Regency Intrigue novel from Marion Chesney, writing as M.C. Beaton, New York Times–bestselling author of the popular Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin series, both of which have been adapted for TV by the BBC and PBS. less

A sudden inheritance puts a young woman in danger in this novel from “the best of the Regency writers” (Kirkus Reviews).   Jean Lindsay lives a rather dismal life with her nasty, drunken uncle, and has little to live on but her romantic daydreams—which frequently star the dashing Marquess of Fleetwater.   She was used to being an object of others’ ridicule... moreA sudden inheritance puts a young woman in danger in this novel from “the best of the Regency writers” (Kirkus Reviews).   Jean Lindsay lives a rather dismal life with her nasty, drunken uncle, and has little to live on but her romantic daydreams—which frequently star the dashing Marquess of Fleetwater.   She was used to being an object of others’ ridicule. Then she received an unexpected inheritance—and as news of her good fortune spread, suddenly her worn dresses became “quaint,” and her forthright manner turned magically to “charming.” But while some seek to flatter her, one person seems to want her dead—and she may need the marquess to save her pretty neck . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this is a twist-filled tale of romance and suspense in Regency England by a beloved New York Times–bestselling author. less

Lady Lucinda Esmond’s swine of a father was forever fleecing young bucks in London’s gaming halls - until he met Captain Mark Chamfrey who, having been once cheated, would not be made a fool of again and promptly kidnapped ten-year-old Lucinda for ransom! But, when Chamfrey thought better of it and returned the girl, Esmond nonetheless exacted his own price: Chamfrey could redeem himself and save his skin by marrying his little victim nine years hence, just time enough for Chamfrey to inherit... moreLady Lucinda Esmond’s swine of a father was forever fleecing young bucks in London’s gaming halls - until he met Captain Mark Chamfrey who, having been once cheated, would not be made a fool of again and promptly kidnapped ten-year-old Lucinda for ransom! But, when Chamfrey thought better of it and returned the girl, Esmond nonetheless exacted his own price: Chamfrey could redeem himself and save his skin by marrying his little victim nine years hence, just time enough for Chamfrey to inherit a title and fortune. Lucinda’s father could not have foreseen what a beauty Lucinda would become, nor that Chamfrey, a newly made Marquess, would actually welcome the fulfillment of what was supposed to be his punishment! less

A beautiful widow is accused of her late husband’s murder in this Regency-set story of romantic suspense by a New York Times–bestselling author.   The upper class regarded Sir Benjamin Wright with utmost honor and respect. Yet Lady Emma knew her husband was, in fact, a drunken, jealous brute who delighted in humiliating her both in and out of the bedroom.   His murder had been a blessing, she thought—that is until the constable’s accusing finger pointed to her... moreA beautiful widow is accused of her late husband’s murder in this Regency-set story of romantic suspense by a New York Times–bestselling author.   The upper class regarded Sir Benjamin Wright with utmost honor and respect. Yet Lady Emma knew her husband was, in fact, a drunken, jealous brute who delighted in humiliating her both in and out of the bedroom.   His murder had been a blessing, she thought—that is until the constable’s accusing finger pointed to her.   But it soon becomes apparent that her late husband hid many secrets and had many enemies. When the practical Comte Saint-Juste arrives on the scene offering his services, Lady Emma is about to discover what the French dedication to l’amour really means . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this is a suspenseful love story from an author who “delivers top-notch Regency fare” (RT Reviews). less

A widow in reduced circumstances makes a desperate offer—and discovers romance and danger—in a suspenseful tale by a New York Times–bestselling author.   Annabelle Carruthers could only dream of being kissed by a man as dashing as Lord Darkwood. Instead, she remained locked in misery, married to a rakish drunk who gambled their lives into financial and social ruin. But his sudden death—and rumors of spies and treachery—only made matters worse... moreA widow in reduced circumstances makes a desperate offer—and discovers romance and danger—in a suspenseful tale by a New York Times–bestselling author.   Annabelle Carruthers could only dream of being kissed by a man as dashing as Lord Darkwood. Instead, she remained locked in misery, married to a rakish drunk who gambled their lives into financial and social ruin. But his sudden death—and rumors of spies and treachery—only made matters worse.   Burdened with gambling debts, Annabelle feared she was on her way to the poorhouse. The only solution Annabelle could see was to offer herself up as mistress to the mysterious Lord Darkwood. Darkwood, however, was too much of a gentleman to take advantage of a lady such as Annabelle. Still, he was quite interested in rumors of her husband’s espionage—a curiosity that would soon place them both in grave danger . . .   This tale of love and intrigue in Regency England, originally published under the name Marion Chesney, comes from the beloved bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin mystery series. less

New York Times–bestselling author: A mistreated maid may be transformed into a lady—with the help of a departed duke . . .   Alice Lovesey, a poorly treated scullery maid, makes a desperate plea for help—which miraculously summons Wadham Hall’s rakish eighth duke. Summons him from the dead, that is . . .   The duke is delighted to be newly materialized, and promises to return the favor by helping Alice become a lady of quality... moreNew York Times–bestselling author: A mistreated maid may be transformed into a lady—with the help of a departed duke . . .   Alice Lovesey, a poorly treated scullery maid, makes a desperate plea for help—which miraculously summons Wadham Hall’s rakish eighth duke. Summons him from the dead, that is . . .   The duke is delighted to be newly materialized, and promises to return the favor by helping Alice become a lady of quality. But Alice’s heart may not stand a ghost of a chance, now that she’s lost it to a restless spirit . . .   Originally published under the name Marion Chesney, this heartwarming and hilarious story is by the beloved author of the Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series. less

A suspenseful tale of love lost and found in Regency England, by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth novels.   Quiet, reserved Miss Constance Lamberton came to the household of the haughty but beautiful Lady Amelia to serve as the lady’s chaperone throughout the season’s many festivities—and soon found herself an unwitting accomplice in Lady Amelia’s scheme to trap the very eligible Lord Philip into marriage. But it was not Lady Amelia who won Lord Philip’s heart. . . moreA suspenseful tale of love lost and found in Regency England, by the New York Times–bestselling author of the Hamish Macbeth novels.   Quiet, reserved Miss Constance Lamberton came to the household of the haughty but beautiful Lady Amelia to serve as the lady’s chaperone throughout the season’s many festivities—and soon found herself an unwitting accomplice in Lady Amelia’s scheme to trap the very eligible Lord Philip into marriage. But it was not Lady Amelia who won Lord Philip’s heart. . . .   The pale, golden-eyed Constance was to become his wife. And when she disappeared without explanation, Lord Philip was willing to move heaven and earth to find her . . .  Previously published under the name Marion Chesney less

"I am going to die, she thought. It is sunny, and the whole of London is happy and joyous because I am going to die." The great Marquess herself had come to enjoy the show. "Speech! Speech!" roared the crowd. Polly raised her hands and the crowd fell silent. "My lords, ladies, and gentlemen," said Polly from the foot of the gallows... more"I am going to die, she thought. It is sunny, and the whole of London is happy and joyous because I am going to die." The great Marquess herself had come to enjoy the show. "Speech! Speech!" roared the crowd. Polly raised her hands and the crowd fell silent. "My lords, ladies, and gentlemen," said Polly from the foot of the gallows. "Why is it that such as I who am poor and have nothing should hang for a petty theft when such as she," - here Polly paused and pointed straight toward the woman who'd captured her - "Mrs. Blanchard, that abbess of Covent Garden, can commit murder on the souls of innocent country girls over and over again, and yet go free!" With those words Polly said her farewells and at last, "I bid you good day, my friends. We shall meet again. For such as you who enjoy a spectacle such as this will surely roast in hell!" ABOUT THE SERIES Determined heroines run the gamut from those who set out by running a confectioners sweet shop to others who are willing to disguise themselves as boys to get by and do what they have to do. Whatever the matter, the Regency series brings us heroines of style, grace, and determination - women who are not afraid to use their smarts to seek the stature or standing they feel they need. They may come from humble beginnings (or not, depending) but what these heroines share is a determination unmatched that leaves us turning page after page as we follow them in their dance. ABOUT THE AUTHOR From 1977 to the early 1990s, Marion Chesney wrote over one hundred romance novels. Now writing as M. C. Beaton, she is the bestselling award-winning author of two internationally successful mystery series - HAMISH MACBETH and AGATHA RAISIN. She lives in the United Kingdom. less