Stranger at the Cottage by Mary Kingswood

An out-of-work governess tries to start a school in the village.

Deborah Hollingsworth, grand-daughter of a baron, has come down in the world, reduced to acting as unpaid governess for her relations. When even that option closes, what is she to do? She has a secret plan, but until she can achieve her heart’s desire, she’ll start a modest village school to make ends meet, and bring a little happiness to the local children. What she doesn’t expect is to find a lonely young man even more in need of a little happiness.

David Exton is a widower, still mourning the death of his wife. He lives a twilight existence, barely leaving his home on the outskirts of the village. The villagers have long learnt that he wants to be left alone, but Deborah is not a woman to take no for an answer. He’s just the man to fulfil all her ambitions, so she begins a campaign to draw the recluse back into the sunlight. But sometimes the sunshine reveals secrets best left buried.