The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 8

Dante decided to walk home and sent his carriage ahead of him. The young Miss Radford consumed his thoughts, and he wanted time to think about them. He found walking frequently cleared his head enough to deal with his servants and with life in general.

Despite his confusion and the set downs she gave him, he still found Miss Radford to be intriguing. Her sister must have spoken harshly to the young lady to tame the shrew into such heartfelt repentance. But there was that “sir” again that had him questioning if the tears were real.

Was it a deliberate slight? he wondered.

Like most people in town, he knew about the history of the Radfords. Lady Radford had been born the only child of the Baron Monteagle, Lord Parker, a former investor and leader in the British East India Company. At three years old, her mother died, and her father had sent her home to England to live with an aunt despite the danger of the voyage for one so young. Baron Monteagle had arranged a marriage for his daughter when she was sixteen, but she had balked at the arrangement and had fled to Gretna Green to marry Sir Radford, who was below her station. Not surprisingly, her father had disinherited her, leaving her to rely upon Sir Radford’s small wealth. After giving birth to four daughters, Sir Radford had passed away from illness several years ago with only two of his daughters comfortably married. Unfortunately, his estate had been entailed. Lady Duval, then known as Miss Radford, had married a dying man to secure a home for herself, her mother, and her youngest sister. After being widowed, she had fallen in love with Lord Duval.

Although their family had been wrought with unfortunate happenings, there was no reason to assume that the young Miss Radford had been so ill-bred as to deliberately misuse titles. He quickly concluded that her fire and passion must be the result of her youth or her inexperience. Once he convinced himself that was the case, he developed the opinion that the interesting side of her personality would soon turn into a simpering miss like the rest of the women on the marriage market. That thought disappointed him as he climbed the steps of his townhouse.

He paused for a minute before entering his London home. He questioned himself: Was he interested in her romantically? It only took him a second to push the idea aside. He needed a far tidier and self-controlled wife. He planned to find one in three years. He was still far too young to be burdened with that aspect of life. He also enjoyed some simpering, and social etiquette was of the utmost importance in his position. If he thought women were foolish when they discovered his title, he could only imagine how much more unpleasant marriage would be with one of them. He had many reasons to put off that institution.

Shaking his head, he walked into his townhouse.

His heart skipped a beat at the faint hope that Miss Radford might accept him for who he was, even after she learned his title, and remain true to her causes. The thought of having an authentic friend after all these years was an exciting one that he quickly rejected. He had often been disappointed in that department, and he definitely would not get his hopes up after only spending a few, tense minutes with the woman. Tomorrow evening, when he danced with her, he would be able to tell easily enough if she were shopping for titles.

He said a quick prayer and decided to leave it in the Lord’s hands. He had been praying a long time for a close male friend, but if the Lord preferred, he would settle for a temporary female one just to have the experience. Although he tried not to get his hopes up, he found himself looking forward to going to an assembly for the first time in his life.

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 7

 “It seems as if we finished our conversation just in time,” Emily whispered, as men’s voices arose to meet them on the first landing of the turning stairway.

When Beatrice released the wrought iron balustrade and stepped onto the entry hall floor, she steeled herself for her mission. Marcus and the man stood before her, saying their parting words, but both stopped and turned upon the ladies’ entrance from the stair.

“I’m sorry—” Beatrice began, but the words caught in her throat.

For some reason, she had not truly looked at the man when she had argued with him earlier. Standing merely an arm’s length away with the bright light of midmorning hitting his face through the glass that framed the home’s front door, she realized with mortification that he was much younger and more attractive than she had first thought. His features were almost perfectly formed with a solid, straight nose. His hair was pitch black without the sunlight streaks she had mistaken for gray. His smooth, strong jawbone was clean-shaven and looked as if it were carved from rock. His teal and black coat fit across his muscular chest perfectly, and his black breeches revealed trim legs. Clearly, whoever Marcus was entertaining enjoyed sport and was fit enough to pursue it. With the insults she had tossed his way, it was no wonder he reacted defensively.

Suddenly ashamed, she quickly averted her eyes and struggled to fight back tears. She wondered if she would ever learn to control her temper. She had been so angry at what she had witnessed this morning that instead of trying to find a champion for her cause, she lashed out at a stranger as if he were the reason for the calamity. As the blush climbed across her cheeks, she forced out the rest of the apology she now knew he deserved.

“It was wrong of me to speak to you so. Please forgive me,” she choked.

Her eyes flitted up to his and were immediately captured by their powerful, golden hazel. One corner of his mouth turned upward in an attractive half smile. “I must say that I am flattered. I don’t think I have ever received such a sincere apology. Of course, I accept it, Miss—?”

“—Radford. Beatrice Radford,” Beatrice blinked and held out her hand.

When he took it, her stomach flipped inside her. She watched as he slowly raised it and pressed it against his lips. He stared deeply into her eyes, and for a moment, she felt as if he could see the depths of her soul. Her breathing quickened, and her heart pounded against her corset.

“Will you be at the assembly tomorrow night?” Marcus’ voice interrupted their connection. The gentleman dropped her hand, and Beatrice immediately returned her eyes to the intricately designed rug on the floor.

“Yes, I was planning on attending.”

“This will be the first one for Beatrice. Would you be so kind as to dance with her once? I am afraid she has few acquaintances in London.”

“Of course, I would be honored,” the man smiled and bowed slightly.

Beatrice’s face flamed as she scowled at her brother-in-law. She had little intention of dancing at the assembly with anyone—a fact that Marcus should know. As she opened her mouth, her sister’s elbow landed firmly in her side.

She closed her eyes, thankful for the protective boning of her corset that had felt suffocating to her moments earlier. Focusing, she remembered this gentleman had not made the arrangement, but was merely being polite about it. She forced a smile and returned her eyes to the man’s perfectly tied cravat. She willed herself to be nice for Emily’s sake—and for Marcus’. “I-I would love that, sir.”

Marcus gasped, “Beatrice, do you not know—”

“Well, until tomorrow, then,” the man said brusquely, no longer smiling. She watched as he carefully placed his hat on his head and walked out the door. She was left wondering if perhaps he did not want to dance with her at all. For some reason, this thought bothered her despite her dislike of such an unproductive pastime.

She shifted her gaze from the closed door to a horrified Marcus. “Beatrice! You can’t talk to him like that. He is—”

“—Be-a-trice! Child, you don’t even look as if you have begun to get ready for supper.” Lady Radford, her mother, interrupted from the stair landing. “Why are you standing in the entryway, staring at the door like a ninny? Come upstairs to your room immediately, or we shall have to hold the meal!”

Trying to set the odd encounter aside, she hurried up the stairway. Her emotions were swirling inside her. One minute, the man seemed kind, almost playful, but the next, he was like a tempest—wild and unpredictable. It was true that aside from Marcus, this man was the first male she had met who was not old enough to be her father. Still, she had always thought males would be easier to understand. Her mother seemed to think they were.

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 6

 Beatrice thought about what her sister had said as she peered past the bed-canopy roof at the circle in the center of her ceiling that framed a painting of Samuel anointing David as king of Israel. Emily was not her oldest sister, but she always saw the more practical side of things. Even before Emily had married Lord Duval, she had a natural sense of poise under pressure. Beatrice hated the current situation in which the poor people of London resided, but she realized the wisdom of her sister’s advice.

Beatrice knew her problem was that she could never control herself when any situation escalated. Her temper was her biggest flaw. She was well aware that the only way to be the voice of the lower classes was to be a part of society. How else would she teach the upper classes about the commoners’ suffering?

After a quick prayer asking for help with her temper, she sighed. “I guess I did go about my plea rather shabbily. But Emily, babies are lying dead in the street!”

Emily rested a hand on her shoulder. “Honey gets more flies to it than vinegar. If you shout at and insult our guests, you will close the door on your chances of marrying. If you don’t make such a cake of yourself, you could find a husband who supports your efforts and has a seat in Parliament.”

“But I don’t want a husband!” Beatrice fumed. She wished finding a spouse were not such a tradition among young ladies. Her trip to London to be placed on the marriage mart had not been her idea. Between her mother and Emily, she could not decide who was acting worse about it.

“A single woman has little social sway. Consider how much better you could further your cause if you had a man to defend it with you. Why would you want to limit your ability to make changes? You’ve only been in town a few days. You haven’t even begun to explore all the wonderful parties and social events. Take your time, and enjoy your chance to find a perfect helper. You don’t have to choose someone this year, but don’t secure your heart against those men you have not yet met. Believe me, the Good Lord has someone planned for you, and I am praying hard you will meet him.”

“Or, perhaps, the Good Lord prefers for me to be an old maid,” Beatrice countered.

“If you keep on like you did today, there will be no question of that. Although I don’t think the Lord would be pleased about it if He presented you with the perfect husband and you shouted the poor man away.”

“I highly doubt the Lord wants me to marry an old baron. He evidently didn’t have such narrow plans for you. However, I suppose I did let my anger get the best of me today.”

“You forget that it was in the Lord’s plan that I first marry a dying baron before I could have a living Earl. Now, you need to make your apologies. Hopefully, all will be forgotten with only a simple act of retribution. I know Marcus needed this vote in Parliament for the project on which he is working.”

“But that man should apologize to me, too! You should have heard—”

“—What I have heard is enough!” Emily interrupted firmly. “I know you. I know that you probably took something he said out of context and went off on a rant without listening to him. I know you must learn to control your temper. That is your greatest flaw. Now, you need to come with me and apologize, if it isn’t already too late.” Emily arose and walked toward the door. “And, Beatrice?”

“Yes?”

“You need to make this a heartfelt apology. I don’t know all the details, but I do know this meeting was important to Marcus. After all my husband has done for me—for us—you should at least take his feelings into consideration.”

“I will,” Beatrice murmured as she followed Emily out of the room. She could already tell this was going to be a very long London season. She wanted nothing more than to make a difference here in the city, but being hindered by social events and apologies would not help her cause.

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 5

 Beatrice had never been so angry before in her life. She was so upset with the man in Marcus’ library that Emily was able to pull her through the hallway, up the two flights of stairs, and into her room before she could slow down her thoughts enough to talk. She flounced on her white, French-styled bed with its white satin tufted headboard framed in teal damask curtains. As she sank into the downy mattress with her skirts flaring around her, she flung herself backward next to her teal-colored, satin pillows. Then she released all her pent-up anger in a roar of frustration.

“That man is the most infuriating, ignorant—”

“—Beatrice!” the breath hissed through Emily’s teeth, pulling Beatrice out of her tirade. “Since father died, I have focused my entire life on giving you a chance to achieve your dreams. However, you are doing everything you can to ruin any hope you could have of marrying a suitable husband.”

“I don’t understand what you mean. Marriage is not one of my dreams. My dream is to be a journalist and fight social injustice. Talking to members of Parliament is just a first step along that path.”

“Talking?” Emily’s eyebrow shot upward. “Actually, you were shouting so loudly that I am sure every servant in our house and the next heard you. I interrupted your tirade because I feared you would wake baby Pamela. Oh, Beatrice!” Emily groaned and walked over to collapse on the white satin settee with a teal-fern, embroidered design. “You have no idea how London society works. If you cannot learn to get along in it, you will find yourself sifted to the bottom.”

Beatrice frowned. “Since Parliament is full of old, fusty men and their old, fusty ideas, it should be expected that I will disagree with them occasionally. I don’t care about ‘London society,’ so there is no need for me to attempt to join it. Being at the bottom will only bring me closer to the poor, who are the only people for whom I care.”

“And can any of those poor people address Parliament or a member of it? Could a street urchin walk up to the King and say, ‘Excuse me, Your Highness, but life is a little hard. I have some great ideas to change it.’ No. He could not approach the King or Parliament because of his low status.

“If you allow yourself to become shunned by society, you will never make a difference in this world. The people to whom you must encourage to change things will not give you the opportunity to speak with them. Do you want that?”

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 4

 Beatrice’s face turned bright red, and he could almost feel the sparks in her sapphire eyes strike out at him. Dante was sure Lord Duval’s mouth hung open. Acutely aware of his position in society, he normally kept his tongue in check, but something about this woman agitated him to the point he could not contain the set down. At that moment, the door to the library burst open, rattling some books on the shelves as another woman burst into the room.

“Beatrice!” she cried, exasperated.

Dante’s eyes continued to war with Beatrice’s as they both disregarded the interruption. Although not a word had been said by either of them for half a minute, his breathing was still quick as if he had just finished racing his bays. The words between them were bitter, but for some reason Dante could not prevent himself from focusing on her rosy, pouting lips.

“What are you doing?!” The feminine voice continued to scold in the background.

Lord Duval’s new wife appeared beside Beatrice, causing Dante to break contact with the young lady out of politeness toward her older sister.

“Oh, my! Please forgive my sister—” Lady Berkshire gave a curtsy and clamped her hand onto the girl’s wrist in one smooth gesture.

Dante raised his hand and stopped her apology. “Think nothing of it. We were all young once,” he shot at the younger sister. “It has not been so long for me that I have forgotten my own childhood follies.” He allowed himself one final look at the stormy girl and then dismissed her. He could not remember any time in his life when so much chaos had happened around him in such a short time. Returning to Lord Duval, he said, “Before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe we were discussing the gin laws, and you were explaining where you came up with your ingenious idea.”

Lord Duval, being a man of good breeding, looked as if his ship were sunk, but he did his best to save the situation.

Dante did not watch as Lady Berkshire pulled her sister out of the room, but he could feel Beatrice’s eyes on him until the door closed with a quiet click. Inside, he felt unsettled. Half of him longed for her to come back and enliven the conversation again. The other, more sensible half chided his folly.

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 3

 “Workhouses!?!” the young woman’s voice raised a notch as she turned and focused her ire upon him. “How can you call those factories of death an option? Have you ever been to one? Have you ever worked for those slave masters running them?”

With a smirk, Dante replied, “Have you?” At this, he allowed his eyes to travel down the spotless mauve dress that was of the latest fashion with its over-wide sleeves and lace trim. It parted on top to reveal a light pink floral bodice, came together at the girl’s waist, and then parted again, revealing her deep green petticoat. “You don’t look as if you have visited one today. And although your manners suggest otherwise, I would guess that you have never in your life traveled to the areas of London that house them.”

Beatrice gasped and took a step toward him. “How dare you! I am sure that, despite the fact I am probably young enough to be your daughter, I have visited more of the sections of London in need of Parliament’s help than you.”

Dante’s eyes grew wide. The way this termagant said it, one would think he already had a foot in the grave.

“Beatrice! Shame on you!” Lord Duval stood and slammed his right hand down on the large oaken desk next to him, nearly toppling the globe.

Again, this slip of a girl seemed to best Dante. He longed for a mirror to examine his face for wrinkles but knew that was out of the question. He also would not have a lower peer defending him. He could fight his own battles.

“Well, if that is the case, miss,” he began with slitted eyes, “I must beg your apology. I took you to be a woman old enough to be out. However, if you were, as you say, young enough to be my child, it would mean you are still in the schoolroom. I am surprised your nursemaid would allow an eight-year old to go wandering around the house, interrupting important meetings. In that case, however, I admit that I was in the wrong. As a mature adult, I should have kept my thoughts to myself. After all, it is impossible to argue with children.”

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 2

 “Oh, Marcus! You must do something about it! There are babies lying dead in the ditch near Fleet!”

“Beatrice! I am in the middle of a very important meeting right now with the–” Marcus chided as he flashed the Duke an apologetic glance.

“—I am very pleased to meet you, sir,” Beatrice interrupted as she dropped a hurried curtsy without taking her eyes off Lord Duval or truly acknowledging the Duke, “but whatever you are discussing is not as important as the fact that poor infants are being abandoned and dying from exposure. In fact,” she suddenly turned on the Duke as if she expected something of him, “if you are one of my brother-in-law’s cohorts in Parliament, it is imperative that you also are made aware of this tragedy so you, too, can aid him in resolving it, sir.”

Dante Francis Seymour Sackville, the Duke of Dorset, almost choked on his tea when the firebrand used “sir” for a second time. Never in his twenty-six years had he been so passed over and slighted. Had he previously mused that such a cut might occur in his lifetime, never would he have imagined that the insult would come from such a captivating agitator. He, after all, was the one noted as being a “good catch” on the marriage mart and an “eternal bachelor.”

Dismayingly, when her gaze had shifted to him as she concluded her tirade, he found himself stifling a foolish grin. There was something about her intelligent eyes that drew him to her. Most young women were quite insipid–their interests lay solely in dresses and balls. This woman apparently cared more for His Majesty’s subjects. Perhaps that is why she did not fret over titles or stray hairs. He found it intriguing and repulsing at the same time.

“Are you listening to me, sir?” The question pulled Dante’s attention away from thoughts of Beatrice’s flaming eyes and what they held, but before he could respond in his more carefully thought-out manner, she had dismissed him with an impertinent sigh and returned to Marcus with her tirade.

Again, the Duke found himself in a new position. He could not remember a single person ever completely dismissing him so easily. The loss of title was a faux pas, but the embarrassment would be on her when she discovered it. However, being ignored pricked his pride deeply. He had been pampered from childhood into believing he was a deft cull even without the title. Most women tended to reinforce this view. He found it disconcerting that this young woman, who had dared to address him without a proper introduction, did not give him a second glance.

“… And I insist Parliament do something about it!”

“Well, my dear,” Dante said, entering the conversation ready to do battle before Marcus could reply, “Parliament has already done something about it. We have plenty of workhouses scattered throughout the city. If these women truly cared for their infants and had no other recourse, they could easily apply to one and receive health care, gainful employment, care and schooling for the child, and three balanced meals each day.” Dante leaned back in his chair to study his opponent, crossing his arms.

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

The Inconvenient Sister Chapter 1 Part 1

Chapter 1

1742
London

“Let’s just say, Your Grace, that I think this is a perfect way to move us out of our gin crisis, but it will have to be carefully executed,” Lord Duval, Earl of Berkshire said, smiling as he leaned back in the beige upholstered chair.

The Duke of Dorset appreciated that Lord Duval had done everything possible to make his presentation effective, including holding it in his cozy-but-strictly-business library. A low fire burned on the hearth between the Duke’s chair and the matching one in which Lord Duval sat. To Lord Duval’s right, his desk was clear except for a single candlestick, a small globe, and his writing set. The door leading to the rest of the London townhouse was firmly shut in front of both of them.

“I have to agree,” the Duke replied with the corner of his lip slightly curling upward. “Offering the populace tea as an alternative is ingenious. I also agree that simply lowering the current tax on tea from 119% to only 12.5% will encourage even the commoners to purchase it. Did you come up with this all by yourself, or did you work on it with others in Parliament?” The Duke couldn’t help glancing at the well-stocked bookshelves surrounding them. Lord Duval was a knowledgeable, well-read man—something hard to find among those who had taken their seat in Parliament at a younger age like the two of them had done. He leaned forward and raised a delicately decorated porcelain cup to his strong lips for a sip of the very thing they were discussing.

The Duke kept his black hair like he kept his own estate–neat and well-organized. Unlike other men, who curled the hair on the sides of their face, he tied all his back in a long braid to keep it tidy during any activity he might choose to do on a whim. Even so, the Duke was not prone to whims. That Lord Duval wore his hair neatly in a similar style only made the Earl rise slightly higher in the Duke’s esteem.

When the Duke had first arrived at Lord Duval's townhouse, he had been afraid the Earl would present an idea about yet another tax on gin to fix Britain’s current drinking problem among the masses. It seemed someone approached him nearly every day with that same idea. However, in his opinion as a young history buff, the past had shown that taxes were not the answer. In fact, he had only agreed to meet because Lord Duval had been so helpful on a bill he had proposed last year. The Duke felt that he could not refuse to at least hear the Earl’s idea. He was charmed that this meeting he felt obliged to attend turned to one of pleasure with a fresh idea that had merit. Instead of taxing gin, they would subsidize tea. It would take a while for Parliament to accept a plan to lower taxes and lose any subsequent income from them while increasing money spent to subsidize something, but the government would have to make it up somewhere else. The more the commoners consumed gin, the less work they accomplished and the more the economy suffered.

“I must confess: I am only partially responsible for this plan,” Lord Duval began with a tinge of pride in his voice. “My new sister-in-law—”

A loud commotion began in the hallway and ended with a young lady of perhaps eighteen bursting through the door and interrupting the conversation. Her topaz-colored hair was drifting menacingly out of its cap like a darkening storm cloud, while her blue eyes flashed lightning. The Duke was slightly shocked to see a woman in such disarray and passion, but at the same time, he felt an odd pang of attraction that he quickly brushed aside as mere surprise.

Want to read more? It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Visit our new website to see our other books.

Preview The Inconvenient Sister

Starting Wednesday, we will be posting a sneak peak at the entire first chapter of The Inconvenient Sister. You will get to read a little bit of the book each day for the next eight days on here FREE!

The Inconvenient Sister is an inspirational historical romance set in 1742 England. It is the second in the Situations of Inconvenience Series.

It will be on sale on Amazon Monday, September 15, 2025. 

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, End

As Marcus stood watching the scene unfold, he was even more shocked to hear Lucian return the confidence. His friend explained about his longstanding engagement with Penelope. The additional torture he went through when the relationship was broken off and the girl married to another mere months before his father’s death and the will that left him in a position to wed. He told of the responsibility thrown upon him with the loss of his father. He went into detail about the difficulty and emotional turmoil of having a depraved brother. Then he and Emily began sharing all their life’s struggles as if they had known each other for years.

Marcus sat in the corner growing more and more uncomfortable. Outside, it remained dark, but a cock crowed, reminding him how short time was. As he rose, the doctor walked into the room to check on his patient, and Marcus was thankful for an excuse to leave.

“Shall I go for a marriage license, then?” he asked stiffly.

Lucian and Emily exchanged glances.

“It does seem to offer both of us the best way out of our individual disasters,” Lucian was the first to speak. Grasping Emily’s hand, he asked, “I know I am asking much of you, but Emily, will you be my wife? I only expect you to stay with me through the ceremony. Then, Marcus will escort you to my estate. You do not need to tolerate my woeful company any longer than that.”

“Lord Westings, I shall only agree to marry you if you allow me to stay by your side until the end. I shall not have people saying I was an unfaithful wife who married you solely for your income. If you let me care for you in your sickness as any dutiful wife should, I will gladly marry you.”

Lucian smiled and turned to his friend. “Yes, Marcus, I believe you may go for the license.”

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 18

Lucian smiled. “You may call me Lucian. I am sure Marcus made you aware of my situation, but would you mind informing me of what brought you here this evening?”

Emily swallowed. What had brought her to the inn was an accident, but she now wondered what brought her into this room. How was she to explain to the dying Baron that she came to see him because she believed he could be a solution to the financial problems of her family? She decided that if the Good Lord were guiding her actions, He would want her to be completely honest. She would tell her story, and if Lucian rejected her, so be it. Since Stephen had paid for her night at the inn, she had enough money to return home or to attempt to see if she was still needed with the Pickerings. If, on the other hand, Lucian accepted her, she would see it as the Lord’s will and trust Him to guide her through the days ahead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marcus watched from his chair in the corner. At first, Emily told her story haltingly. She related the distress of having her father die and discovering the estate was entailed to a distant cousin, whom she had never met. She told him how her eldest sister immediately took their mother into her home while her two other sisters offered to take Miss Radford and her younger sister. She explained how her older sisters could little afford the burden of bringing Beatrice out in style or keeping Emily on the market for a husband. Rather than set her hopes high or weigh her siblings down, she alone decided to enter into service in order to offset the burden of her mother and Beatrice’s care. 

To Marcus’ surprise, Lucian listened patiently, encouraging her to forge ahead with her story whenever she stalled. His constant urging, seemed to relax her as she stood stiffly in the doorway. Then she stepped further into the room and seemed to pour her heart out to his friend, explaining in detail her disastrous first employment and her dashed expectations with this one.

By the end of her tale, she had taken the chair at Lucian’s side. Again, a flicker of jealousy rose in his breast. Why had she refrained from telling him all her troubles? He stifled the emotion, knowing he still would have felt obligated to thrust her at Lucian.

END

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 17

Marcus frowned. He knew Lucian was right, but he did not want to sit in the room while Lucian tried to convince the beautiful Emily to marry him. He stifled a tinge of jealousy. He had proposed the scheme, but he was not exactly pleased about following through with it. He remembered the story of Job. Dear Lord, you gave patience to Job to endure many hardships, please be with me now and help me to deal with my peculiar emotions, he prayed silently. From what he could see, the Lord brought Emily to this inn to save his friend’s estate. That meant she was not here to develop a relationship with him. If the Lord intended her for Lucian, that is what he must help achieve. If that meant preserving her dignity although it placed him in an uncomfortable position, he would do it.

“I see your point. I shall stay,” Marcus added quietly, dragging one of the chairs to a corner and sitting in it with his arms crossed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 “Well, Miss Emily, may I call you by your first name?”

Emily hesitated. The man lying before her was propped up on several pillows, and his hair was flung around in untidy mats of sweat. The covers of the bed were pulled up, but his arms were free. She could tell he wore a borrowed shirt that swallowed him. His sallow complexion did nothing to add to his appearance, but she clung to the kindness in his eyes. Glancing at Marcus, she said, “I suppose the circumstances do not allow for long periods of introduction, my lord.”

Part 18

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 16

At that moment, there was a faint rap on the door, and Marcus jumped to open it. Standing there with her head bowed and a candlestick in her hand stood Miss Radford.

 “She’s beautiful,” Lucian murmured.

“I told you she was not pockmarked,” Marcus smiled. “And she comes from fine, noble stock.”

“I am not some horse on the auction block, if you please, my lord,” Emily scoffed, raising her fiery eyes, and then offsetting the severity of her comment by biting her lower lip.

“Forgive me, miss,” Marcus bowed. “May I present Miss Emily Radford, governess, daughter of Sir Henry Radford. Miss Radford, this is my dearest friend, Lord Lucian Grummel, Baron of Westings. I am sure you both have much to discuss, and I wish you well,” Marcus bowed and took a step toward the door.

“I beg your pardon, Lord Berkshire,” Emily gasped. “What kind of a woman do you think I am to attend to a man in his room, alone, my lord?”

Marcus paused. “But, Miss Radford, the man is dying.”

“So you seek to entrap me into marrying him?”

Marcus had a difficult time looking into the rekindled fire in her eyes without laughing. “I shall leave the door open.” He could not resist baiting her.

Lucian sighed. “Marcus, you told me you brought me a lady and that I would need to mind my manners, but where are yours?”

Part 17

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 15

Marcus quietly entered the dimly lit room where his friend tossed and moaned on the small bed. There was little furniture beyond the giant, rough-hewn armoire, but two chairs had been placed next to the bed. Marcus shuddered as he remembered how he had held his friend while the doctor cleaned the stomach wound. Quickly scanning the corner, he was relieved to find that Mol must have taken the bloody rags away. He said a quick prayer thanking the Lord that Miss Radford would not have to see those.

“Lucy, I have some good news,” Marcus said gently, sitting in one of the chairs and firmly grasping his dying friend’s hand. “There is a woman I would like you to meet.”

Lucian stopped thrashing, tried to sit, and then collapsed in a moan before asking, “You found someone, then? Oh, Marcus, I am so relieved. Where is she? Have you sent for the priest and the solicitor?”

“No, but I shall when they are needed. I must ask that you remain in your best form when I introduce you. She is a real lady. Although she has not yet agreed to the scheme, I am sure she is on the precipice of a decision in your favor. I need you to show her your charm, not your impatience.”

“A real lady? How am I to get a lady to marry me like this?” Lucian entered into a fit of coughing. Marcus helped him to drink a sip of water and then he was able to continue. “I could not get Penelope to marry me whole although she had known my charms for years. How shall I convince a stranger to marry me on my deathbed?” Lucian groaned.

“She seems to have a good heart.”

“Is she pockmarked?”

“No. She is Sir Henry Radford’s daughter.”

Lucian pursed his lips. “So, she’s mercenary then?”

“I don’t think so. But, I believe she does have a younger sister and a mother to worry about. Think positive! That could improve your suit.”

“I suppose one in my circumstances cannot be particular. When can I meet her?”

Part 16

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 14

Knocking on the door to Lucian’s room, he was greeted by the grim faced doctor with one eyebrow raised. The older gentleman stepped into the hallway to speak with him.

“He won’t make it through the night at this rate,” the doctor bleakly replied in hushed tones.

“He keeps demanding I locate a woman for him to marry. We must discover a way to put his mind at ease.”

“There is a woman of good birth downstairs. I have been begging her to come and see him, but she desires your permission.”

“Lord Berkshire, if she is a woman of any birth, she will not accept his proposition.”

“Only a few years ago all marriages were arranged by parents, and frequently brides did not meet their husbands until their wedding nights. What is wrong with such a proposition as this? After all, if they do not suit, they will not have long to endure each other’s company.”

“Where will you find a marriage license at this hour, so it will be recognized and not in vain? It would be a shame to put the poor girl through such an ordeal only for her to discover she received nothing out of it.”

“I do not fear the highwaymen. I can make it to the bishop and back before first light. If old Bailey sends for a clergymen and my solicitor, we can convene here on the morrow.”

“The woman will have fled your madness by then if she has an ounce of nobility in her. Still, if she is willing enough to meet him and spend a few minutes by his side, it may at least give him a peaceful death. I shall fetch her.” With that, the doctor continued down the stairs.

Part 15

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 13

She glanced from Stephen’s mischievous, pale blue eyes to Marcus’ serious, deep blue ones. A tingle went down her spine. “I highly doubt Lord Westings would like to make anyone’s acquaintance at this hour and on his death bed,” she stated weakly.

“Quite the contrary. He has been asking for a woman for some time now,” Marcus replied readily.

Emily sighed and finished her tea. As she stood, the two men stood with her. “Oh, all right, I shall meet him. Nevertheless, you must first send the doctor down to me so that I can be assured that my visit will not hinder him further. And,” she paused to make sure she had their attention. “I make no promise that I shall marry anyone.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marcus gazed at the woman before him with admiration. She was dressed like any modest governess with her hair reasonably contained under a mobcap and a white, embroidered scarf arranged around her shoulders and neck. But the simple, dark brown, traveling gown was well-maintained. Even in her current attire she was quite a beauty, and he wondered that she had not been snatched up during her season. It was several moments before he realized he was grinning at her like a fool. He quickly headed down the hall and up the stairs toward Lucian’s room.

He reflected on his first sight of her sitting primly at the table with her tea, wrapped in the glow from the fire. He had thought she was an angel. If his best friend had not been in more dire need of a wife, he might not have been able to resist attempting to form his own attachment.

He was vaguely familiar with three of Sir Radford’s other daughters. They had each spent two or three years on the marriage market and married suitably. He wished he had met this one at the assembly, but perhaps she had come out the year he had toured the continent with Lucian. She had a strength of character that he found irresistible. He wished he could spend more time getting to know her, but time was of the essence for Lucian. Right now, his dying friend’s final wish came first.

Part 14

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 12

“Why would the good Lord want me to marry a dying man?” she asked aloud to herself as much as the two men sharing the room with her.

“His ways are often mysterious,” Stephen countered with an overly chaste expression upon his face and his eyes heavenward.

“Please, Miss Radford,” Marcus said, trying his best to ignore his brother, “all I ask is that you come meet Lord Westings. I assure you he will appreciate the hope your presence will provide. It may possibly give him a few moments of peace before his untimely death.”

Emily felt her will begin to waver. Her father’s greatest desire was to see all his daughters married gently. She had just begun her second season when he died from pneumonia. Unfortunately, his estate was entailed and went to a distant cousin, leaving Emily and her youngest sister, Beatrice, single and without income or dowry. Prior to his death, she had not secured the interests of any particular man, wanting to choose her life’s companion wisely. 

Only two men had approached her after it. Both were widowers more than twice her age. Instead of accepting a loveless marriage, she ceased considering matrimony as an option in her future. 

It was then that she became a governess. She promised to send what money she was able to spare to help create a dowry for her sister. Unfortunately, up until this point, she had found little extra. If she came into a fortune, she knew she would have enough to find a good match for Beatrice. She may even be able to take care of her mother nicely to prevent burdening her eldest sister any further. Perhaps this was the Lord’s answer to her prayers as well. It certainly would resolve her family’s problems more quickly than her life of service would settle it.

Part 13 

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 11

“My friend is desperate. If his brother inherits, all will be lost. The estate has many farmers on it that would starve under his hand. If Lucy marries you, you can keep the estates intact. It will continue in your name even if you remarry. Could you find it in your heart to marry a man out of charity?”

“Charity, my lord? I should like to marry out of a more dedicated love. What you propose is mercenary. Furthermore, no other man would want to marry me afterward. You say that I should have no need to seek employment if I accept your offer, but I would sooner return to my sister’s home than marry a man for his title and lands, only that he would die the next day.”

“It is not mercenary. You would be doing it to preserve his estates and his good name. You would also be doing his brother Algernon a courtesy. He would be prevented from having the funds to sink his life into greater debauchery.”

“I highly doubt Mr. Grummel would see it that way.”

“Will you not at least meet Lucian to see if you could get on together?”

“If the man is dying, I do not see why it should matter if we get on together.”

“Then you’ll marry him?” Marcus’ eyes danced merrily.

“I did not say anything of the sort. As I recall, I have been presenting you solely with reasons why I should not do it.”

Stephen, enjoying the high emotion of the moment, threw himself shamelessly on his knees at her feet, hands clasped in supplication. “Please, Miss Radford, you said your employer did not arrive to fetch you this evening. Surely you are a believer in Providence?” Emily stared at the boy for a minute before nodding once. He continued dramatically, “What if the Lord has a hand in all this? You may be the answer to Grummel’s prayers.”

One of Emily’s eyebrows rose at the theatrical outburst. She was about to protest, but something made her stop and think about his words.

Part 12

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 10

Emily fought the urge to flee the room. She knew she had nowhere to run and realized that the two men easily could block her escape if she did.

Lord, please give me patience and help me find Your will in this mess. If You see me through this evening’s madness, I promise I shall do my best to be more patient in my future quest for a position. She turned to the teapot and began to pour herself a second cup to calm her nerves. Although her hand shook slightly, she did not spill any of it and was able to keep the quiver from expressing itself in her voice as she answered, “I hope you don’t mind me taking refreshment while you relate your story, my lord.” 

Lord Berkshire smiled handsomely and pulled a stool next to her table. “My friend,” he began, “as you may have heard is Lord Lucian Grummel, Baron of Westings. His father, Lord Richard Grummel, left his entire estate to Lucy after sending his eldest son – Algernon – into the military for reform. Algernon is a bad fellow. He fell away from the Church after his mother died and took to drinking and to gambling. As you may expect, the disgraceful punishment did nothing to reform him. In fact, the military life only increased his dissipation.

“After his father’s death, Algernon sold out and tried to have the will overturned. However, the letters of patent were very loose and only specified a male heir. Thus, the will held for both the title and estate, but during the proceedings, it was discovered that if Lucy died without marrying, the property and title would legally revert to Algernon whether he had reformed or not. Lucian believed he had years to choose a mate and raise a family. A recently broken heart did nothing to help the matter. However, tonight highwaymen waylaid him. He managed to make it to the inn, but the doctor is certain he now lay upon his deathbed upstairs. To preserve his father’s dying wish, he must marry immediately. You are the only suitable female available to perform this task.”

“I was given to understand there was a maid, my lord.” Emily glanced at Lord Berkshire’ pleading eyes and then wished she had not. A faint flicker of a smile brushed his face and warmed her heart.

 “She is but ten years old, Miss Radford, and Mol’s daughter is twelve. Neither were raised to attend to the details of an estate.”

Emily’s was aghast. “But I am a—”

Part 11

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.

The Inconvenient Widow: Chapter 1, Part 9

Lord Berkshire turned and looked at Emily, seeing her for the first time. His deep blue eyes took in her thin stature, her dark blonde hair, and eyes that matched his own. She blushed under his close scrutiny. Suddenly, she wished she could escape the gaze that seconds earlier she had hoped to catch.

Lord Berkshire’s brow furrowed deeper. “Radford as in Sir Henry Radford?”

Emily’s blush deepened. “That would have been my father, sir.” She never imagined gossip traveled this far from London.

“Why here is Providence to intervene! What a blessing you have found, Stephen.” He grabbed his brother’s hand and patted him on the shoulder. “We are pleased to make your acquaintance at such a time of need. Miss Radford, if you would be so kind as to marry my dying friend, we would be forever indebted to you.” Lord Berkshire executed a terse bow.

Emily’s face blanched. That was the last thing she expected any gentleman to ask her especially if they were familiar with her family name. “M-m-marry, sir? I am a governess. I cannot marry.”

“My brother seems to believe you are ill-suited for the position. Besides, if you marry Lord Westings, you will have no need to be a governess any longer. In case you failed to hear it, he will pass into the arms of God by tomorrow’s eve. As you are young, you may even find another husband after your period of mourning is finished.”

“You don’t really look like a governess anyhow.” Stephen added cheerily, shaking his head.

“Do I look like a widow?” Emily asked in shock.

“Excuse my brother,” Lord Berkshire frowned at Stephen before quickly returning his gaze to Emily. “He is still at Eton. Will you at least give ear to the dire circumstances in which we have found ourselves?”

Part 10

Want to read more? Purchase the full 284 page book on Amazon: (paperback is $7.59; Kindle version is $0.99). If you purchase the paperback, you also have the option to get the Kindle version free for a limited time.