Regency Spies

Download or read book Regency Spies written by Sue Wilkes and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2015-11-30 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sue Wilkes reveals the shadowy world of Britain's spies, rebels and secret societies from the late 1780s until 1820. Drawing on contemporary literature and official records, Wilkes unmasks the real conspirators and tells the tragic stories of the unwitting victims sent to the gallows. In this 'age of Revolutions', when the French fought for liberty, Britain's upper classes feared revolution was imminent. Thomas Paine's incendiary Rights of Man called men to overthrow governments which did not safeguard their rights. Were Jacobins and Radical reformers in England and Scotland secretly plotting rebellion? Ireland, too, was a seething cauldron of unrest, its impoverished people oppressed by their Protestant masters. Britain's governing elite could not rely on the armed services even Royal Navy crews mutinied over brutal conditions. To keep the nation safe, a 'war chest' of secret service money funded a network of spies to uncover potential rebels amongst the underprivileged masses. It had some famous successes: dashing Colonel Despard, friend of Lord Nelson, was executed for treason. Sometimes in the deadly game of cat-and-mouse between spies and their prey, suspicion fell on the wrong men, like poets Wordsworth and Coleridge. Even peaceful reformers risked arrest for sedition. Political meetings like Manchester's 'Peterloo' were ruthlessly suppressed, and innocent blood spilt. Repression bred resentment and a diabolical plot was born. The stakes were incredibly high: rebels suffered the horrors of a traitor's death when found guilty. Some conspirators' secrets died with them on the scaffold... The spy network had some famous successes, like the discoveries of the Despard plot, the Pentrich Rising and the Cato St conspiracy. It had some notable failures, too. However, sometimes the 'war on terror' descended into high farce, like the 'Spy Nozy' affair, in which poets Wordsworth and Coleridge were shadowed by a special agent.

Download or read book Pride and Petticoats written by Shana Galen and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-03-17 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dear Friend, You were right: desperation is a dangerous state of mind. It was desperation that drove me to London to salvage my family's reputation and finances in the first place. And it is desperation—and perhaps a little desire—that has gotten me into the situation I find myself in now. You see, I've become ensnared in the investigation of a traitor by Lord Dewhurst—the most insufferable, sinfully handsome man I've ever met. I know it is shocking, but in order to catch this spy and clear my name, I've no choice but to play the agent's bride. Now I'm desperate again to avoid his seductive words and searing looks. I pray that I can resist him, but I can make no promises. Oh, my dear friend, I know he and I are merely pretending to be wed, but the blush he can send all the way to my petticoats feels far too real! Yours truly, Charlotte

Download or read book When Dashing Met Danger written by Shana Galen and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-10-13 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From an exciting new voice in romantic fiction comes a fast-paced and emotional historical romance. Shana Galen is sure to dazzle readers with her undeniable talent and unique brand of wit and charm. This is an author to watch! Alex Scarston, Earl of Selbourne. Rake. Spy. With his efforts for England in the war against the French suspended, family obligations compel him to investigate the disappearance of Viscount Brigham's son. When the viscount's daughter becomes involved as well, Alex finds himself entangled in a venture that risks both heart and soul. It's not that Lucia Dashing, youngest daughter of Lord Brigham, wants Alex to go away. She just wishes he wasn't always so close—perhaps a few rooms, or streets, or continents between them would bank the heat of her attraction. But when her brother disappears, she's no choice but to engage the earl in a battle risking her brother, her country, and her love.

Download or read book A Viscount's Proposal written by Melanie Dickerson and published by . This book was released on 2017-02-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Leorah Langdon has no patience for Regency society's shallow hypocrisy and unnecessary rules, especially for women. She's determined to defy convention by marrying for grand passion instead of settling for a loveless union like her parents--or wedding a stuffy, pompous gentleman like Edward, the Viscount Withinghall. But when a chance meeting in the countryside leads to Leorah and Withinghall being discovered in his overturned carriage--alone and after dark--the ensuing gossip may force them together. Withinghall has his reasons for clinging to propriety; his father perished in a duel with his mistress's husband, and Edward must avoid scandal himself if he wants to become prime minister. He certainly has no time for a reckless hoyden like Miss Langdon. But soon the two discover that Withinghall's coach "accident" was no such thing: the vehicle was sabotaged. Can the culprit be brought to justice? Strong-willed Leorah and duty-driven Withinghall will have to work together if they have any hope of saving her reputation, his political career--and his life.

Download or read book A Dangerous Engagement written by Melanie Dickerson and published by . This book was released on 2017-09-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Just as merchant's daughter Felicity Mayson is spurned once again because of her meager dowry, she receives an unexpected invitation to Lady Blackstone's country home. Being introduced to the wealthy Oliver Ratley is an admitted delight, as is his rather heedless yet inviting proposal of marriage. Only when another of Lady Blackstone's handsome guests catches Felicity's attention does she realize that nothing is what it seems at Doverton Hall. Government agent Philip McDowell is infiltrating a group of cutthroat revolutionaries led by none other than Lady Blackstone and Ratley. Their devious plot is to overthrow the monarchy, and their unwitting pawn is Felicity. Now Philip needs Felicity's help in discovering the rebels' secrets--by asking her to maintain cover as Ratley's innocent bride-to-be. Philip is duty bound. Felicity is game. Together they're risking their lives--and gambling their hearts--to undo a traitorous conspiracy before their dangerous masquerade is exposed.

Download or read book Suspenseful Starts written by Erica Monroe and published by Quillfire Publishing. This book was released on 2016-05-17 with total page 664 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: DARK, DANGEROUS, EMOTIONAL HISTORICAL ROMANCE Join dashing heroes, scandalous scoundrels, and rebellious women in USA Today Bestselling Author Erica Monroe's suspenseful historical romance series: Covert Heiresses and The Rookery Rogues. Meet the COVERT HEIRESSES: women who by day are the talk of the ton, and by night England's top spies. I SPY A DUKE SHE WANTS REVENGE When bluestocking Vivian Loren becomes the governess for the wealthy Spencer family, she's hunting for clues about the murder of her brother, not romance. But Vivian didn't count on one thing: James Spencer, the intrepid Duke of Abermont, who has a tortured past of his own. HE NEEDS A WIFE As head of Britain's elite intelligence agency, James can't afford the scrutiny the Marriage Mart would bring to his family once the Season starts. After discovering Vivian's quest for vengeance has made her a pawn in a treacherous plot of one of Napoleon's most deadly spies, James realizes they can help each other. She'll become his duchess, and he'll keep her safe. What begins as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes anything but as secrets surface. When both husband and wife have dark secrets, love may be the most dangerous mission of all. THE ROOKERY ROGUES features thieves, Metropolitan Police Officers, and hellions in the gritty London underworld. A DANGEROUS INVITATION SHE'S GIVEN UP ON LOVE, AND WANTS ONLY INDEPENDENCE... Torn from her life of privilege by her father's death, Kate Morgan survives in London's dark and depraved rookeries as a fence for stolen goods. The last man she ever expects, or wants, to be reunited with is her first love, who promised to cherish, honor and protect her, and instead fled amidst accusations of murder. HE'S THE REFORMED RAKE DETERMINED TO WIN HER BACK. One drunken night cost Daniel O'Reilly the woman he loved. If he ever wants to reclaim Kate--and his old life--he'll not only have to prove he's innocent of murder, but convince the pistol-wielding spitfire that he's no longer the scoundrel he once was. Together, they'll have to face a killer. Time is running out...

Download or read book The Orphan's Wish written by Melanie Dickerson and published by Thomas Nelson. This book was released on 2018-06-26 with total page 352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A reimagining of the beloved folktale, Aladdin, set in medieval Germany. Orphaned and alone, Aladdin travels from the streets of his Arab homeland to a strange, faraway place. Growing up in an orphanage, he meets young Lady Kirstyn, whose father is the powerful Duke of Hagenheim. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion, and their childhood friendship grows into a bond that time and opposition cannot break. Even as a child, Aladdin works hard, learning all he can from his teachers. Through his integrity, intelligence, and sheer tenacity, he earns a position serving as the duke’s steward. But that isn’t enough to erase the shame of being forced to steal as a small child—or the fact that he’s an orphan with no status. If he ever wants to feel equal to his beautiful and generous friend Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim and seek his fortune. Yet once Aladdin departs, Lady Kirstyn becomes a pawn in a terrible plot. Now, Aladdin and Kirstyn must rely on their bond to save her from unexpected danger. But will saving Kirstyn cost Aladdin his newfound status and everything he’s worked so hard to obtain? An enchanting new version of the well-known tale, The Orphan’s Wish tells a story of courage and loyalty, friendship and love, and reminds us what “family” really means. Full length clean fairy tale reimagining Includes discussion questions for book clubs