A Tangled Inheritance by Chalon Linton

Author:Chalon Linton [Linton, Chalon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LDS, love, reputation, London, Society, marriage decision, wealth stability, family, truth
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Published: 2018-01-31T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Mr. Devlin Fausett

Despite my refusal, Brumley insisted I take one of his mounts to Lily Glen.

“Stop being so stubborn,” Brumley said. “I’ve no doubt you’ll want a bruising ride on occasion. Besides, I’m not offering Mouse.” We walked through the stall, and he pointed out options.

Arguing with Brumley was pointless, so I settled on a chestnut filly named Juno.

Leah pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “Give Cousin Nora my love,” she called as I mounted the horse.

“Better yet, give her your love,” Brumley said with a vibrant chuckle.

I shook my head and turned north, hopeful that the two-day journey would help strengthen my resolve. Brumley and his wife made a persuasive argument, listing multiple reasons I should pursue Miss Ellsworth. But my scars ran deep, and while I recognized my feelings for Miss Ellsworth were beyond friendship, I didn’t want to offer her a shell of a man, especially if she could find happiness with Mr. Browning.

I scheduled my arrival two days after the other guests. Lily Glen was an impressive estate. The south-facing entrance consisted of towering walls crested with gabled roofs. The multitude of windows formed a sort of geometric artwork on the façade, and the grounds appeared to be meticulously maintained.

A stable boy led Juno to the paddock, and Mrs. Browning welcomed me graciously. Brumley had paid to send my trunks ahead, so the housekeeper, Mrs. Norse, guided me to the prepared room.

“Dinner will be served in one hour,” the woman said and then excused herself.

Regardless of his sentiments regarding my stay, Browning proved himself a cordial host. My accommodations were comfortable, far more so than my rooms in London, and the west-facing window offered a view of the stables. I watched the boy brush Juno down before he turned her out for the evening.

The water in the pitcher had turned cold, but I poured it into the wash bin and scrubbed the dust from my face. Leah had assured me of Miss Ellsworth’s regard, but I knew the competition would not let her go without a fight. I pulled out my newest jacket and recognized the odds were not favorable. Nevertheless, I hoped gambling for Miss Ellsworth’s affection would prove well worth the risk.

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