Dear Reader,
The following work was found sealed in the library of a castle, belonging to an ancient noble family, in the Champagne region to the east of Paris. The dates of the events contained within are attributed to sometime in the 18th century. It appears that any other record of the Marquis featured within, and the estate that he kept, have since been expunged from historical record. It is as if there was an omertà (conspiracy of silence) which sought to erase him entirely from collective memory - one that might have succeeded if not for the astonishing recovery of these letters.
It has been my duty to act as caretaker to this work since I agreed to its restoration. I have found, regrettably, that my colleagues have failed to grasp the momentous importance of these letters and their wider significance. There is, I admit, some question of authenticity that requires consideration. For my part, I have forcible reasons to believe that these letters are genuine. I have submitted the work to a broader audience, however, for precisely this object; I have hope that, by breaking outside the narrow remit of literary academia, I may yet find a willing readership committed to studying these letters as seriously as I have.
As the Judge might once have heard it, so the Reader shall hear it now.
Unfortunately, I must also include a notice of warning: the letters of Charlotte B--- speak of diabolical horrors and the direst human cruelty. I believe that, were these letters recognised, they would take the place as the first of the modern écritures maudits (damned writings), above de Sade or Corbière. Hence, I recognise that such subject matter is certainly not for everyone.
Should you decide to turn to more pleasant reading, I certainly could not blame you. The world can be a sombre and unforgiving place without having to reflect on its grimmest parts.
The choice to continue, Reader, is entirely your own.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Samuel J. Collins
Carmella 'Ella' Camden, a curious and intelligent young woman, dreams of finding love and companionship. Despite her beauty and wit, she constantly feels overlooked by noble men during her social seasons, who only seem interested in her friends and relatives. Losing hope, Ella resigns herself to the life of a spinster.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah 'Jeremy' Morvall, Duke of Darlington, returns to England after traveling for business, being left no choice he has to find a lady to shoo away the eager ladies and their mothers.
Fate brings Jeremy and Ella together at a grand ball, where Ella seeks solace in the Duke's library, surrounded by books that have always been her faithful companions. Little does she know that Jeremy instantly becomes captivated by her enchanting presence. However, Ella's past experiences have left her feeling unworthy of such attention, and she dismisses Jeremy's interest as nothing more than a fleeting curiosity.
As Jeremy persistently pursues Ella's affections, the walls around her heart begin to crumble. But can Ella overcome her insecurities and allow herself to believe in love once more? Will Jeremy's true motives be exposed, or will he prove himself to be a genuine and devoted suitor?
"Rediscovering Love" is a heartwarming historical romance that explores themes of self-discovery, overcoming past disappointments, and finding love when least expected. Readers will be swept away on a journey filled with tender moments, unexpected twists, and the undeniable power of true love.
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