Gently reared Martin finds himself adrift without means when his uncle goes bankrupt with gambling debts. He seeks a livelihood as tutor to the young children of an earl on a remote Welsh estate. Arriving on a dark and stormy night that sets the tone for his whole adventure, he falls into intrigue, mystery, and powerful new loves -- for the three traumatized children and their enigmatic guardian.<br><br>Dylan has been called back from service in South Africa when his elder brother supposedly finds his wife with another man, kills the pair and then himself. He’ll now have to assume most duties of the earldom, raise his nephew to majority and care for three orphaned children. Desperate for help, he hires a young man sight unseen to become their tutor while he works to uncover the facts of the scandalous tragedy that tore apart his family. Both matters reveal surprising results.

Dark and Stormy

After that he just stood, as straight and resolute as he could. “Yes, sir. Everything is fine. I’ve prepared a list of what is needed to equip the schoolroom and was waiting for your instructions on how to proceed before starting with the children’s schooling.”


Davis waved to a chair at one end of his desk. “Have a seat then and let us dispense with formalities. I know a bit of your background and I do not expect you to kowtow. Were I still in the army, you could well be a subordinate officer in my command. I suggest we proceed in that manner. We are both gentlemen, after all.”


He returned to his seat. Martin waited until the other man sat before he availed himself of the offered chair. The captain dressed in military style, shining high boots over trim breeches in a tan color, a navy blue coat with bright brass buttons over a crisp white shirt, but no waistcoat. Though tall, he did not appear massive or overpowering, although his military bearing commanded respect.


Chapter 6