When life is horrid without hope, it's time to change the status quo in whatever way possible...

The year is 1807 and Lady Angelica Coatesfield, Duchess of Tittleford, wishes she were anyone but who she is. Married to a duke isn't everything wonderful the beau monde makes it out to be, especially when that duke has beaten and abused her for the duration of their twenty-year union. Trapped in her gilded, hellish cage, the only respite is seeing Mr. Marsden, her husband's solicitor, during monthly visits. He's a light in her dark world. Perhaps if things were different...

Mr. Caleb Marsden is proud of his position as solicitor to the Duke of Tittleford. However, it comes with one huge drawback?he's been in love with the duchess for years. Though he's aware of how horrible the duke treats his wife, there is naught he can do about it, so he maintains his silence on both fronts. Yet there is an undeniable connection between them. They could be good together... if she were free. Should he risk all for a forbidden romance?

While the duchess is dumped at the manor in the Surrey countryside and left to her own devices, Caleb is invited to stay on for fishing by the duke. He's told to keep Lady Angelica company while His Grace is away on business. He accepts; it's the opportunity he's waited for. One day during a rainstorm, secret longings and hidden desires come into the light, and when they're acted upon, there's no going back for either of them. A future is planned where the bluebells bloom, but the likelihood of claiming it is dubious at best... until fate intervenes.

This is a prequel story of how the Blue Ruin Society Ladies came about. Yes, this novella has a happily ever after even though there is infidelity and forbidden romance.

This brand-new Regency-era series launches in January 2027.