The Captain's Lady — Rachel C. Edwards

The year is 1820 and Lianne Vernon is in need of employment. When the post of governess is offered to her, the opportunity is too good to miss. However, Lianne finds Elswick Manor is a strange place indeed. Arabel Forrest, her young pupil, is given to strange imaginings, and Captain Gideon Lang, her employer, is the most enigmatic man she has ever encountered. Soon Lianne begins to fear Captain Lang's motives towards his ward and fears for her pupil's safety.

Takes place in Essex, England