Inheriting Trouble: A Sweet Regency Romance (The Bequest Series Book 1) Read online

  Inheriting Trouble

  Wendy May Andrews

  ∞∞∞

  Sparrow Ink

  www.sparrowdeck.com

  Copyright © 2019 Wendy May Andrews

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, transmitted, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  ISBN - 978-1-989634-05-9

  www.wendymayandrews.com

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  The inheritance was meant to better her life,

  not muddle it.

  Georgia Holton, wellborn but nearly penniless, is best friends with one of the Earl of Sherton’s five daughters. When she is invited to accompany her friend for two weeks of the Season, Georgia jumps at the opportunity to have a little adventure away from her small village.

  The Earl of Crossley is handsome, wealthy, widowed, and jaded. He has no intention of courting any of this Season’s debutantes. After all, every woman he’s ever known has been dishonest, including his late wife. But when a chance encounter throws him into contact with the Sherton ladies and their lovely friend, he can’t help being drawn to Georgia’s beauty and endearing personality.

  When confusion about Georgia’s small inheritance becomes known, a sense of obligation to right a wrong forces the earl and Georgia into close association.

  But is she really different from any of the other women, or does she have an ulterior motive?

  And can Georgia even consider getting close to a man from High Society, when all she wants is to return to her simple village life?

  Sparks fly between these two, but it will take forgiveness and understanding on both their parts to reach a happily ever after.

  Dedication

  Once again, there’s a strong theme of friendship in this book. I believe friendships are the cornerstone of a happy life. In this story, communication is key to working out the best possible future for all involved. This is a weakness for many people (including me) so I’m dedicating this book to all those who are struggling to improve their relationships with better communication. When you figure it out, message me to tell me how ;-)

  Acknowledgements

  Marlene, Suzanne, Alfred, Monique, and Christina: Thank you for taking the time and effort to help me work out the holes in early drafts of this story. Your loving kindness in my writing journey means the world to me.

  Editing – Julie Sherwood, you are a dream to work with. You make my stories better and are generous with your time. Any errors remaining are the fault of the author.

  Cover – Les at German Creative was a marvel.

  Hubby – Mr. Andrews, you have been with me every step of the way. Thank you for supporting me, following along with my characters’ adventures, helping me with the business side of things, and being the best partner there is. We’ll conquer this thing yet.

  Chapter One

  Spring 1805

  Georgia had to exert every ounce of her will in order to remain still. Her discomfort in the middle of the backward facing seat seemed to increase as the carriage finally rolled into London. Every particle of her person wanted to press itself against the window and gaze about. But it would not do to draw the attention of Lady Sherton.

  Lady Sherton had been in fine form from the moment they had set foot in the carriage that morning. She had expressed displeasure over everything she encountered, which made Georgia decidedly nervous. She could not bear it if the countess took it into her head that Georgia was excess baggage and sent her back to Sherton. Georgia was quite well aware that she was only there on sufferance, based on the begging of her dear friend, the countess’s third daughter, Lady Vigilia, who had assured her mother that she absolutely could not bear to come up to London without Georgia’s company. Lady Sherton had agreed that Georgia could accompany them for two weeks. She had been heard to mutter, ‘What can it matter with the first two still to marry off, having a friend to occupy her might keep her from under foot.’

  The greenery flashing by the windows had given way to densely constructed buildings. Georgia was fascinated by it all. She had never been outside their small village. Not in body anyway. Her imagination had allowed her to travel through the pages of well-written books, but from what little she could see from her vantage point, her imagination hadn’t done London justice. She truly hoped Vicky would be willing to go wandering with her because she was itching to see the city up close.

  Lady Vigilia, Vicky to her friends, must have sensed Georgia’s suppressed frustration over the poor visibility as she cast her a sympathetic glance. She refrained from comment, though, as her sister had just hissed, “There he is! Lord Crossley! He is looking particularly fine this afternoon.”

  “Hilaria Sherton, do not be so ill bred,” reprimanded her vigilant mother.

  Rosabel, the oldest of the Sherton sisters, looked at Hilaria with laughter dancing in her eyes. “You mustn’t say such things out loud, Hil, but, of course, one cannot help but think them.”

  Lady Sherton shot her eldest daughter a reproving glance but didn’t bother to contradict her. Georgia thought she might have seen the woman’s lips twitch but dismissed the suspicion, as she doubted the countess found anything amusing. She then quickly reprimanded herself for the uncharitable thought; she ought to be more positive about the lady, seeing as she was allowing Georgia to accompany them to Town even though she was rather beneath her notice socially speaking.

  Georgia tried not to sigh audibly over that thought. She really wasn’t beyond the pale. But she was far from being an earl’s daughter, that was for certain. And since she qualified for the Byram Bequest, it was obvious that her circumstances were less than ideal. But she did qualify and now had a dowry of ten pounds. She could feel her lips forming a soft smile as she thought of dear Mr. Byram and his generous Will. She was quite well aware that ten pounds was paltry next to the dowry the Sherton girls had, but for her it would make all the difference. After she had this brief holiday with Vicky, she would return to their village and find some kind shopkeeper to marry, and she would be able to ensure a secure, well-fed future for her siblings.

  Georgia thought back to when she and Lady Vigilia had been making their plans. Georgia never thought of her dearest friend with her proper name, but she supposed she ought to become more used to it. It wouldn’t do to be calling her Vicky as they went amongst the ton. Just the thought of Lady Sherton’s face if she were to overhear it made Georgia fight another fit of giggles.

  “Are you absolutely certain your mother won’t mind me accompanying you? She doesn’t seem to care much for your association with someone from the village.”

  Vicky rolled her eyes. “She doesn’t mean you when
she says that. You’re gentry.”

  “But not landed gentry.”

  Vicky wrinkled her nose in reply. “Now who’s being the snobbish one?”

  Georgia laughed. “I don’t really care about my status except for the awkward place it leaves me in trying to provide for my brothers and sisters. I wish I could become a governess, but I’m not certain my education would be considered sufficient to provide for noble youngsters. Besides the fact that I couldn’t really leave my own youngsters behind.”

  “You could try to find a husband while you’re with me in London,” Vicky pointed out.

  “Do you really think two weeks is long enough to find a husband, Vick?”

  Vicky shrugged. “Many betrothals are announced that quickly.”

  Georgia had meant her question to be rhetorical. She had no intention of aligning herself with a member of High Society. She didn’t have an opportunity to point this out, however, before Vicky continued.

  “And you could always stay longer. I certainly have no desire for you to leave after a mere fortnight. The fun will have barely begun by then.”

  “You know I can hardly leave my father and the children to their own devices for long. Two weeks is already longer than I’m comfortable with.”

  Vicky shook her head. “You are an unnatural girl, Georgia Holton.”

  Georgia chuckled over her friend’s words. “I think you might have it the wrong way around, Vick. You don’t understand since you’re the exact middle of five sisters, and you still have both your parents, besides being wealthy and all the rest. If you were in my shoes, you’d do the same. I’m sure of it.”

  Vicky looked sceptical but changed the subject.

  “Are you any further ahead in your thoughts on which of the available village men you think you’ll choose to marry when you come back?”

  Georgia sighed as the previous laughter drained from her. She shook her head. “I’ve known them all since I was born, Vick, which makes it strange to consider marrying any of them. And the fact that none of them even considered me of interest until we found out I would be eligible for the Bequest, doesn’t endear any of them further to me.”

  “I’m sure,” Vicky murmured.

  Georgia laughed again. “I know ten pounds still seems paltry to you, but for me, it’s going to make all the difference in how I can make life better for Susan, Marianne, and Drew. With Gregory enlisted, I don’t have to worry about providing for him, but with my father’s failing health, I need to be sure I can keep food on the table for the little ones. And I would rather die than allow my brothers go to work in the mines. Surely marrying one of the village men will be better than death.”

  Vicky grinned over Georgia’s droll tone. “I dearly hope so. But I still think you should at least keep your mind open to the possibility of making a match while you’re in Town, George. There are some fine gentlemen who would be thrilled to have you.”

  Georgia returned Vicky’s wide smile. “Don’t you try to bamboozle me, Vigilia Sherton. I’ve been listening to you and your sisters discuss the gentlemen of the ton for years. I am well aware of the fact that any man who would be willing to take me and my siblings on must have a passel of children of his own needing care, and he’d rather take on a wife than hire a governess.”

  “Well didn’t you just get finished saying you wish you could become a governess?”

  Georgia dissolved into laughter over her friend’s question.

  “Never mind about this, now tell me again about the gowns. You know I only have one gown that would be even remotely acceptable for Society.”

  “You always look perfectly fine, George, but none of our everyday clothes are good enough for the events of the Season. But Bel and Hil have both said they’re willing to let you have some of their older gowns, and you can wear anything of mine that you’d like, so you needn’t worry at all about what you’ll wear. We’re all pretty much the same size, and one of the maids will be able to easily make any slight adjustments that might be needed.”

  “I can hardly believe your sisters are being so generous. They never seem to be anything above lukewarm towards my presence.”

  Vicky laughed again. “You know they love you almost like an extra sister,” she began. “But in all honesty, I think they found me excessively annoying last year and expect having you along will keep me out of their affairs.”

  Georgia smiled. “That makes much more sense. But I still can’t believe the countess doesn’t mind having me along.”

  “She agrees with my sisters in this matter. And since you are more likely to keep me out of trouble than lead me into it, she doesn’t mind at all. Papa even said you are to have pin money while we’re in Town.”

  “Oh no, I absolutely couldn’t accept. It’s enough that you are all being so generous already.”

  Vicky didn’t press the subject, much to Georgia’s relief.

  Georgia returned to the present with a blink of her eyes. As she glanced out the window once more it crossed her mind to wonder if her experiences in London might spoil her for the simple future before her. She hardened her resolve. Her future was already settled. This was just a short vacation for her from reality, and she was going to enjoy every last second of it. Starting now, she thought as she focused on the fascinating scene passing by the window. The slowing traffic allowed her a better view, but it was hard for her to take it all in and harder still to contain her excitement. Even the more experienced young ladies in the carriage couldn’t maintain their façade of ennui.

  Rosabel, the oldest Sherton sister, nearly bounced in her seat. “This is going to be my Season, Mama, I can just feel it. The lord of my dreams is going to sweep me off my feet and away to his estate where I shall live happily ever after.”

  Her younger sister, Hilaria, Latin for cheerful, was not aptly named, which she quickly revealed as she sneered at her sister’s words. “What do you expect to be different about this year from last? Nothing much about you has changed.”

  Rosabel ignored her sister’s negativity and smiled benignly out the window. Looking at her, Georgia couldn’t imagine why the beautiful young woman hadn’t been swept away, as she said, in her first Season, let alone allowing a few to go by. She was beautiful, well bred, well dowered, and the daughter of an old, aristocratic family. If she couldn’t find a good match there wasn’t any hope for anyone else, Georgia thought with wonder. Her silent question was answered when Lady Sherton reprimanded Hilaria.

  “Your sister is not to be criticized for being particular about her choice. She is determined to find joy in her marriage, and I cannot say that is a bad thing.” Although from her tone, Lady Sherton didn’t sound completely convinced.

  “Well, it would be so much easier for the rest of us if she would hurry up and make her choice. No one will even look at me while she is still available,” Hilaria grumbled.

  “Perhaps if you tried to be a trifle more positive in your aspect you would find more success,” Vicky pointed out in what sounded like a reasonable tone to Georgia, but only earned her a glare from her sister.

  Vicky just turned to Georgia and shrugged. But Georgia only saw it in her peripheral vision. Her gaze had been ensnared. She had finally caught sight of the gentleman she assumed Hilaria had been referring to when she said Lord Crossley was looking particularly fine. She had never seen such a good-looking man before in her life. His tall, athletic build filled out his stylish attire. His full lips would have almost looked feminine if not for the rugged line of his jaw that slanted up toward his bright blue gaze. Much to her disappointment, though, her appreciation of his rugged beauty was somewhat marred by the haughty stare fixed to his face.

  Georgia blinked. She really ought not to form an opinion about the man based on a fleeting impression as she caught a glimpse of him from the cramped quarters of a passing carriage. She dismissed all thought of him and applied herself to anticipating her two weeks in the city. It was to be the experience of a lifetime, and she was deeply grateful
to her friend for inviting her to tag along as she made her debut.

  Of course, poor Vicky wasn’t getting a proper debut. Being the third sister and with the first two not yet married, the earl had refused to go to the expense of “properly” launching her as Vicky had lamented. The year before she had been allowed to attend certain events with her older sisters. This year she would be attending along with the older girls, but would not get a ball of her own, nor was she likely to be presented in the queen’s drawing room.

  Georgia thought it was a shame her friend wasn’t going to meet the queen, but she could understand her father’s reasoning on the ridiculousness of the court dress. Georgia wondered briefly what the poor queen was thinking to require such elaborate dress of those brought to meet her. The earl was right, of what use would it be to spend so much money on a dress that was to only be worn once? Although, why Vicky couldn’t just use the dress that Rosabel had worn when she was presented was beyond Georgia’s understanding, but it was really none of her business anyway and she had her own baggage to be concerned about. She once again tore her thoughts away from their fruitless wanderings and brought them back to the task at hand – containing her excitement so as to not draw undue attention to her unsophisticated presence.

  When they finally pulled to a stop in front of a large stone house, Georgia assumed they had arrived at the Earl of Sherton’s London home. Her swallow felt more like a gulp as she passed her now nervous hands over her skirts, hoping to wipe out the evidence of the many hours of travel. As she watched her hands’ nervous movements she absently admired the fabric of the garment. It was one more thing for which to be thankful. As an impoverished girl from the village, Georgia would have nothing that would be appropriate for life in the city. Vicky and her older sisters’ generosity in sharing, not only their Season but also their wardrobes, was remarkable. The thought made her want to fling her arms around her friend and squeeze her tight. That, of course, would not do. Not only would it draw Lady Sherton’s attention, but it would embarrass Vicky. Georgia resolved to enjoy her two weeks to the ultimate degree and make sure Vicky enjoyed having her there.