Despised & Desired: The Marquess' Passionate Wife (Book 5)
What readers say:
💙“Another enjoyable emotional rollercoaster from the Queen of Regency romances—loved it!”
💙“I loved this story of two scarred souls who find a home together. Thanks to Ms Wolf for another clean yet emotional story!” 💙“The empathy and depth of understanding of tragedy and war, and the effects of them on one’s psyche and emotions, in Bree’s writing is superb! I feel I learned from this!”Ellie licked her lips and then swallowed. She lifted her eyes off her trembling hands and looked at Madeline. “An offer of marriage was made for me.”
Madeline’s eyes opened wide, and for a moment, her mouth gaped slightly open. Then she swallowed, and a smile spread over her face. “But that’s wonderful!” she beamed, giving Ellie an enthusiastic hug. “Why do you look so sad? Do you not like him?” Again, her eyes widened. “Who offered for you?”
Closing her eyes, Ellie shook her head, knowing the words would feel like a lie on her tongue. “The Marquess of Elmridge.”
“What?” Once more, Madeline’s mouth stood open. “He did? I didn’t know you knew each other. From what you said, I thought−”
“We don’t,” Ellie interrupted. “That is just it. From what my parents told me, I am not his choice, but his mother’s.” She hung her head, her hands playing with the hem of her sleeve. “I believe he doesn’t even know who I am.”
Madeline took a deep breath before she reached over and gently pulled Ellie’s hands into hers. With tender eyes, she looked at her, and a smile played on her lips. “Do you care for him?”
For a second averting her eyes, Ellie nodded.
„Then don’t be sad,” Madeline said. “Even if he doesn’t know who you are now, he will. He liked you once, he will like you again.”
Looking into her friend’s eyes, Ellie wished she would feel the same conviction in her heart that rang in Madeline’s voice. “I don’t even know if he liked me then. He was kind to me, but that doesn’t mean he cared for me.”
Squeezing her hand, Madeline smiled. “How could he not? My dear Elsbeth, you are the most wonderful creature I’ve ever beheld.” Embarrassed, Ellie averted her eyes, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. “Don’t look so bashful!” Madeline laughed. “If I were a man, I would have asked for your hand a long time ago.”
Ellie chuckled, feeling the tension in her muscles subside.
“I am serious,” Madeline insisted. “You’re kind and caring and absolutely sweet-tempered. It is a delight to be around you. And yet, you are brave and courageous. You do what needs to be done. You care for others more than for yourself, and despite everything, you look at life with a smile on your face.” Again, Madeline squeezed her hand, and Ellie looked up at her. “Very few people can suffer what you did and still enjoy life. You are a rare woman, Elsbeth Munford, and Frederick Lancaster can call himself lucky that you agreed to marry him.”
Looking at her friend’s caring eyes, Ellie felt a soothing warmth spread through her. “Thank you,” she whispered. “What would I do without you?”
“Suffer endlessly, I’m certain.” Madeline smiled at her before her eyes went wide. “You did agree to marry him, didn’t you?”
Laughing, Ellie nodded. “I couldn’t help myself. Even if I have doubts, I…,” she bit her lower lip, feeling a flush warm her cheeks, “I want him.“
He carries scars no one sees. Hers are worn openly. But both need healing. Sir Frederick Lancaster survived the war—but survival came at a cost. Haunted by loss, guilt, and the cruel luck that left him breathing while his friend did not, he lives each day as though he owes the world a debt he can’t repay. When tragedy strikes again and a title he never wanted falls into his lap, duty demands he wed. What it does not demand… is hope.
She was burned. Judged. Pitied. But she never gave up. Ellie Munford knows what people see when they look at her—and what they assume about the scars she wears on her skin. But pain has taught her grace, and in the ashes of loss, she’s chosen joy. Still, when Frederick becomes her unexpected husband, she wonders: can her quiet resolve reach someone trapped in so much darkness?
Their marriage was meant to serve duty. But Ellie makes Frederick wish it could be more. As their bond grows, Frederick begins to see Ellie not as consolation, but as possibility. Her laughter surprises him. Her kindness humbles him. And slowly, Ellie shows him that scars can be honored… without letting them take the lead. That pain may shape a person, but it doesn’t define them. Not unless they let it.
He thought he was cursed. She came to prove he could still be chosen.
🔥 If you’ve ever struggled to forgive your past—and longed for someone who sees you clearly and loves you still… this story is yours.
Each love story in this series can be read as a stand-alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order.
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