The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman #CleanRomanceforXmas21 #Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Nabob's Daughter

By Jess Heileman

Historical Romance

Paperback, E-book & Audiobook, 444 Pages

June 30, 2021 by Vagabond Publishing

She’ll do anything to escape an arranged marriage. He’ll do anything to help her. 

 

Honora Crauford relishes her life in India. So when her father informs her of his latest business transaction—marrying her off to a bankrupt nobleman in England—her only hope for returning home is to convince her betrothed, by whatever antics necessary, that a marriage to her comes at a cost that not even the greatest fortune can justify. 

 

Graham Whitworth can hardly believe his wretched luck. It seems the only way to save his family’s insolvent estate is to comply with his father’s demands and marry the extremely wealthy, but utterly ridiculous, nabob’s daughter. But when Honora missteps, Graham discerns her farce and begins to see who she truly is—a most impressive lady. A lady likely capable of fixing his family’s financial troubles. 

 

Realizing they both desire freedom, Graham and Honora join forces to restore the Whitworth estate and return Honora to her beloved India. But sometimes love has its own agenda, and the revoking of a once undesirable arrangement may just prove to be the greatest sacrifice of all.

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Excerpt

“Miss Crauford?” The servant, whose blue livery matched the opulent cloth on the coach’s driving box, approached me.

My palms were clammy within my gloves, and I mindlessly rubbed them against my middle. Did I truly have the tenacity to enact such a preposterous scheme? It wasn’t too late to simply comply with Papa’s demands and marry Lord Denhurst’s son. I wavered between two seemingly detestable options. Then an image of India filled my mind’s eye. If I abandoned my plan now, I would likely never see my home again. Once Papa was in England, he would see me married, just as he said he would. That would not do. No, I needed to convince Lord Denhurst to revoke his offer, thus adhering to Papa’s admonition that I would not make him break his word, and to be on my way home before Papa arrived.

The man stopped when he was still a little way off. “You are Miss Crauford?”

“I will do anything to get home,” I whispered under my breath, rousing my courage. It was now or never, and never was not an acceptable option.

“I should certainly hope so.” I lifted my chin to an arrogant level, acting in complete opposition to Mrs. Purcell’s lessons. “Otherwise I have made a very tedious voyage for nothing.” The man’s dumbfounded expression was proof I had chosen the correct vocal timbre to use—obnoxiously loud and fast with a grating quality that had been perfected in the privacy of my cabin over the last several months. “Have you come to take me to my soon-to-be husband?” I scanned his figure in a blatant appraisal, refusing to consider my own mortification so as not to risk a blush. “Or are you him?”

“Yes, miss,” he said, before realizing his error. “I mean, no.”

“Which is it?” I asked, swiftly closing the distance between us. “I would not mind the latter, for you appear to be a man worth crossing an ocean for, despite your obvious oversight of fashion.”

His gaze whipped to the coachman stationed atop the carriage before he returned it to the ground between us. “No. I’m only the footman. I’ve been sent from Grandview to collect you.” There was utter desperation in his voice.

“Collect me?” I scoffed in feigned offense. “As though I am your master’s possession? What an absurd and utterly infuriating notion. Pray tell me, do all men in England think so little of the female sex or is that a particular view of Lord Denhurst and his son?”

Excerpted from The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman, Copyright © 2021 by Heileman. Published by Vagabond Publishing.

About the Author

In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. It was a solid storyline: there was this pig that wore a wig—and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did. Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades—and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories. Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

December 7th: Launch

December 8th: Nancy Campbell Allen - The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart

December 9th: Rachael Anderson - Five Kisses

December 10th: Sarah M. Eden - The Merchant and the Rogue

December 11th: Arlem Hawks - Georgana's Secret

December 12th: Jess Heileman - The Nabob's Daughter 

December 13th: Krista Jensen - Miracle Creek Christmas

December 14th: Jen Geigle Johnson - A Christmas Kiss

December 15th: Josi S. Kilpack - Love and Lavender

December 16th: Carla Laureano - Discovered by Love series

December 17th: Sarah L. McConkie - Meet Me Under the Kissing Bough

December 18th: Carol Ross - His Hometown Yuletide Vow

December 19th: Nichole Van - Brotherhood of the Black Tartan series

December 20th: Anneka R. Walker - Brides and Brothers

December 21st: Camron Wright - Christmas by Accident

December 22nd: Julie Wright - A Captain for Caroline Gray

December 23rd: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $75 (USD) Amazon E-Gift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 29, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review: The Nabob's Daughter by Jess Heileman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She’ll do anything to escape an arranged marriage. He’ll do anything to help her.

Honora Crauford relishes her life in India. So when her father informs her of his latest business transaction—marrying her off to a bankrupt nobleman in England—her only hope for returning home is to convince her betrothed, by whatever antics necessary, that a marriage to her comes at a cost that not even the greatest fortune can justify.

Graham Whitworth can hardly believe his wretched luck. It seems the only way to save his family’s insolvent estate is to comply with his father’s demands and marry the extremely wealthy, but utterly ridiculous, nabob’s daughter. But when Honora missteps, Graham discerns her farce and begins to see who she truly is—a most impressive lady. A lady likely capable of fixing his family’s financial troubles.

Realizing they both desire freedom, Graham and Honora join forces to restore the Whitworth estate and return Honora to her beloved India. But sometimes love has its own agenda, and the revoking of a once undesirable arrangement may just prove to be the greatest sacrifice of all.

My Review

This was such a fun read! I was thoroughly entertained by Honora and Graham, and the charade that led them both to discover what they truly want. Honora's cringe-worthy behavior thankfully didn't last the entire book, and even she had difficulty with her attempts at the outrageous. I think her goodness was able to shine through subconsciously, which made Graham's discernment of her true character come naturally. Their plot to work together to upend the expectations of both their fathers gave them time to grow closer together and their chemistry was great! Some unexpected twists along with a bit of a mystery made this book one that I couldn't put down. Loved the array of personalities and family dynamics woven into this sweet romance.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: A Well-Trained Lady by Jess Heileman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Arabella Godwin is an Incomparable in London Society—elegant, wealthy, and meticulously trained. Yet, she has nothing to show for her efforts aside from her pretentious reputation and a collection of disappointed suitors. When her plan to secure a promising offer of marriage is temporarily delayed, she must bide her time in the company of an estranged childhood friend—the much-too-endearing, but regrettably untitled, Augustus Brundage.

As the friends’ tattered relationship returns to familiarity, Arabella must prevent herself from fully regressing into the carefree, impressionable young lady who once foolishly trusted Augustus with her heart. To make the same mistake again would ruin everything she has worked for—and certainly more.

But, can a heart be so easily trained?

My Review

Arabella drove me a just little crazy! Once she slowly sheds the insincere society persona she had embraced due to her mother's influence, she becomes actually likeable, and I could see why Augustus had fallen in love with her and was willing to give her another chance. She reminds me a bit of Jane Austen's Emma as she gives lessons to Ruth, trying to help improve her manners, when really Ruth has the important characteristics Arabella would do well to emulate. Augustus and Arabella have such fun banter, which were my favorite parts. Family secrets come to light and complicate Arabella's future, right when she was so close to grasping happiness. I was all tied in a knot as Arabella is caught between her parents and their own private agendas. This book had plenty of ups, downs, and twists leading to a perfectly satisfying happily-ever-after.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the other books in the Seasons of Change series . . .

Review: Abigail by Jess Heileman

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Since the death of her mother, Abigail Blakeslee has lost all desire to become a debutante and enter Society. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family.

Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had hoped to avoid. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. Bet then, Abigail has her own secret to hide—her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.

My Review

This was a wonderful escape into the world of Regency England! I enjoyed Abigail and her somewhat unconventional attitude, and found it interesting who she chose to placate and who she felt she needed to be disrespectful to. She and Edwin definitely have a Darcy/Lizzie thing going, and it was fun seeing their interest and attraction despite their best efforts. I especially liked the parts where they get away from the house and are able to discover the deeper layers behind each of their facades. There are family secrets that are alluded to but also unexpected and bring quite the twist to the story.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Forever Yours Event: Author Jess Heileman & Giveaway

 

 

Abigail by Jess Heileman

 

“A beautiful coming-of-age story with just enough romantic tension to keep you reading late into the night.”

Since the death of her mother, Abigail Blakeslee has lost any desire to become a debutante and enter Society. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family.

Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had hoped to avoid. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. But then, Abigail has her own secret to hide—her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.

    

 

It was several minutes into the first course that Uncle Stanton leaned toward me. “By whom do I have the privilege of sitting this evening?”

“Miss Blakeslee, sir.” I offered, perplexed how he had forgotten our introduction already. “We met just now in the drawing room.”

“Of course. Miss Blakeslee. Such a pretty sounding girl. And I have heard you are quite exquisite though I wish I could see you for myself.”

It was only then I noticed the cloudiness of his eyes. “Forgive me, sir. I did not realize you—” the words to finish seemed too harsh to speak.

“That I am blind?” He chuckled. “I’m flattered you took so long to realize. Was it my handsome face that made you overlook the defect or the confident way I hold myself?”

I was convinced it was the darkness of the drawing room, but I had no intention of saying so. “I believe it was both, sir.”

He chuckled again and reached a hand toward me. Placing my hand atop his, I gave it a gentle squeeze which he affectionately returned.

After some general small talk around the table, a few failed attempts to entreat Miss Hawkins into conversation, and seeing the focused regard Sir Wycliffe paid to Hannah, I gladly directed my attention to Uncle Stanton. There was something about his openness that endeared him to me immediately.

“And, if you don’t mind me asking, Mr. Stanton—”

“My friends and relations call me Uncle, and, if you find no offense in being placed amongst that group, I must insist you do also.”

“I would be honored, Uncle.”

“And I’m guessing by how you began to phrase your question, you were curious how I lost my eyesight?”

Now that he said it aloud it sounded alarmingly impolite, and I felt relieved he couldn’t witness the color that filled my cheeks. I still needed to learn to not let my curiosity take precedence to propriety. “I—well, I—” I stumbled over my words, endeavoring to think of another question to propose.

“Truly, I don’t mind,” he said, sensing my hesitation. “But I fear there is little to tell. A few years ago, I began having problems with my vision. Things grew dark at the edges and gradually expanded toward the center until all I now have is a general sense of light and dark. I sought the best physician in London, who assured me there was nothing to be done. So, I have resigned myself to enjoying the world through my other senses.”

I smiled. “That is a commendable outlook on such a hardship.”

“As I see it, I only had two choices—to be bitter or to not. I simply chose the more enjoyable of the two. Though I will admit, I often wish I could create a more romantic story surrounding it all. You see, I have a very dull imagination—” he hesitated, “not that I care to mislead anyone, but the truth is hardly worthy of attention.”

“I don’t credit myself with much creativity, but perhaps both our minds together might come to a tale worth sharing—or, in the least, to entertain ourselves?”

“Miss Blakeslee, that is a capital idea!”

“Well then, let us think. The grandest stories are always believable,” I paused, trying to determine an appropriate setting. “You were just telling me of your time in the British Fleet.” He nodded. “It would be fitting, and perfectly romantic, if your tale occurred at sea. Perhaps a heroic rescue?”

One side of his mouth lifted. “I daresay I prefer to play the hero.”

“And nothing is as heroic as rescuing a damsel in distress, do you not agree?”

“I most certainly do.”

I couldn’t resist grinning as a story surfaced in my mind. “I believe it must occur at night, for the mystery of things is always greater at night. You are walking the deck as Captains do, on watch for pirates or smugglers, when you hear the cry of a woman. You follow the sound to the starboard side of the ship and search the water, wondering who could be in such a state of anguish. The water is dark, with only an occasional reflection of light from the moon dancing off the waves. It would be impossible for someone to be out there, but then—” I nearly giggled at the intensity of Uncle Stanton’s concentration.

“Well, what was it I saw?” he asked eagerly.

“A woman, of course.”

“In the sea?”

“In the sea! And the most beautiful woman you have ever laid eyes on. But what was most peculiar was how her cry transformed to a song—an entrancing melody that wrapped around you, pulling you toward her.”

“But she is in the water? How is she rescued?”

“You are a hero, Uncle. You must jump in to save her!” He lifted his eyebrows in surprise, and I covered my mouth stifling a laugh. “Don’t look so startled at the notion, I daresay if it were a real occurrence you wouldn’t hesitate a moment. And our story must be accurate—that is why I came to this conclusion.”

His face beamed with pride. “I’ve always had a propensity for acting brashly around beautiful women.”

“And so, this is no different. And after you jump into the freezing water, as extremes make the account more exciting, you swim to where you expect her to be but find nothing. You search frantically, diving under the water and yelling for her—for now that you have seen her you will save her or die in the attempt. But you grow tired and, just as your strength is exhausted and you begin to sink, you are pulled from the sea.”

“And how should I be saved?”

“A shipmate would be a reasonable rescuer. Possibly a fellow watchman or someone who heard your distress as you searched?” I received a reassuring nod. “When they got you on deck, although you had taken in much water, your only concern was for the woman. ‘Woman?’ they’d say, ‘There was no woman in the water.’ Had they not heard the cry or the mesmerizing song? Were they not lucky enough to behold the enchanting face? They’d surely blame it on your longing imagination—though we know how dull it is—or likely a bad meal. And I fear she would forever be a mystery to you, plaguing your very existence— the image of this siren etched in your mind and her song on your heart. And your eyes would ultimately grow dim because nothing in this world could compare with the splendor you once beheld.”

A satisfied smile lit his face and my own expression soon mirrored his.

“You have given me quite a story, Miss Blakeslee; yet I am certain I shall never tell it as well. I’d ask you to transcribe it, so I might memorize it,” he chuckled, “but that would do little good as I’m no longer able to read.”

His laugh was contagious, and I easily joined him. Glancing around to make sure no one had observed my casual behavior, my eyes locked with Mr. Edwin Stanton. His stern look took the smile from my lips and drove my gaze to my plate.

“What is it, Miss Blakeslee?” Uncle Stanton asked gently.

I marveled at his discernment, most people with perfect eyesight would fail to perceive what he did.

“I believe I have offended your great nephew with my behavior.”

“And how did you come to that conclusion?”

“The intensity of his stare—as though he is condemning me from across the table.”

“Many emotions can cause intensity, Miss Blakeslee. But, if he is displeased, let me ease your mind—you can hardly be the cause. These last few years he has had no difficulty finding things to aggravate him. Perhaps it is his way of being hospitable—ensuring he treats us all equally.”

“Perhaps,” I said, taking comfort in the idea his ill temper hadn’t began with my arrival. Looking back toward the other side of the table our eyes met again, but this time he redirected his attention to the smiling face of Helena.

 

      

    

Ooh, I really enjoyed this story! It definitely had a Pride and Prejudice sort of feel for me with the brooding hero, the passionate and intelligent heroine and plenty of misunderstand and judgments on both sides. Abigail is so easy to love. Honestly, she is kind, compassionate and freely herself even when it goes against what is "proper". She is a defender of people and exceptionally loyal. See? What's not to love? ~Aimee Brown 

I bought this book last night and then ended up staying up way to late to finish it! But I was enjoying it so much I couldn’t put it down! It reminded me of Edenbrooke in style and that I loved the heroine, Abigail, and her desire to stand up for good causes despite society pressures- she had so much goodness! I loved her story and how it all connected. ~Crystal 

This is Jess Heileman's first novel, and I am excited for her to write more! Edwin and Abigail were easy to love and cheer for, and there was a host of secondary characters who were also fun to get to know! ~Alisa 

Abigail sucked me in from the first page and I had a hard time putting it down. A sweet Regency romance with all the back and forth love vs duty inherent in this type of book- which helps make them one of my favorite! The characters are well developed and believable. ~Cheryl-Lynn  

    

 

Author Jess Heileman 

In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. It was a solid storyline: there was this pig that wore a wig–and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did. Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades–and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories. Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows. 

 

      

  

 

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 2/27/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Abigail by Jess Heileman

 

Abigail by Jess Heileman 

For Abigail Blakeslee, becoming a debutante and entering Society is happening far too quickly. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family. Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and match making. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. But then, Abigail has her own secret to hide–her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.   

Praise for Abigail:   

I eagerly look forward to more books by this debut author. If you enjoyed Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, then this is just the book for you. ~Deanna   

I love a delicious story full of conflicting personalities, hidden secrets, and a budding romance, and this one is just that. I'm quite surprised that Heileman is a debut author, as I found this to be a very entertaining and engaging story. My emotions and attention were held hostage for several hours and I'm looking forward to more stories by this author! ~Katie   

I love how this story unfolded. Insight came little by little as I came to know the characters more and more. It was perfect. By the end, I really felt like a movie had just played out in my mind and in my heart. The build-up to the romantic, sigh-worthy ending was fantastic. I'm sighing just thinking about it! ~Aimee   

This is Jess Heileman's first novel, and I am excited for her to write more! Edwin and Abigail were easy to love and cheer for, and there was a host of secondary characters who were also fun to get to know! ~Alisa   

Abigail sucked me in from the first page and I had a hard time putting it down. A sweet Regency romance with all the back and forth love vs duty inherent in this type of book- which helps make them one of my favorite! The characters are well developed and believable. ~Cheryl-Lynn    

Excerpt: 

After walking through the billiard room, we exited to a sizable corridor with wood archways. “This is where my father’s study is,” Diana said, pausing to knock on a large door.

“Should we disturb him in his work?” I whispered.

“My father is out today,” she said with a smile. “But Edwin should be here.”

The door opened, and Edwin stood glancing tentatively between us.

“She hasn’t received a tour yet,” Diana said, answering his unspoken question. “You will show us the study?” Somehow, her request sounded more like a demand.

He opened the door wider. “You may come in, though I’m obliged to mention I have an appointment shortly.”

Diana sent him a pout. “What dreadful timing. Had I remembered we would have ventured here sooner. Oh well, Edwin, do take over for me until your appointment arrives. I am dreadfully tired from all this walking.”

“It’s a study, Diana,” Edwin said with a raise of his brow. “There is little here of interest.”

“Perhaps give her a tour of the library then, we hadn’t made it that far yet.”

They stared at each other in a silent battle of wills. I shifted awkwardly, deliberating how long it would last, when Edwin finally conceded. “Would you care to see the library, Miss Blakeslee?”

I glanced at Diana who nodded her head in encouragement. I’d said I’d have no part in her scheming, but I was now confident whatever her goal was in bringing Edwin and me together, it wouldn’t work. He saw me as a child, a little sister much like herself—though less demanding, I was sure. “Of course,” I said, and he opened the adjoining door that led into the next room, gesturing me inside.

The library was filled with books, and it reminded me of the one at Easton Manor with overstuffed shelves, large windows, and numerous seats for reading. I grabbed a thin book off a nearby shelf and held it in my hand. I traced my finger over the title, The Tempest. It had been sometime since I’d picked up a book. Mother taught me to read and had given me the joy of new worlds and unforgettable stories. I’d spent countless afternoons tucked in a chair in our library, unable to stop reading; but when Mother died, I found little delight in anything, including the things she’d taught me to love.

“Have you read it?” Edwin asked, peering over my shoulder.

“Of course,” I answered, placing it back on the shelf.

“And I presume you enjoyed it?”

“Very much. I admit I am easily satisfied by a happy ending.” I kept my eyes searching the books, having little desire to receive the look of censure awaiting me. “The Shakespeare writings I enjoy most are those that end well—Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew—the ones where love is victorious.”

“A common ideal among ladies, I believe, and the reason his comedies are so popular.”

I turned toward him. “Life has enough of tragedy and grief, is there something wrong with finding satisfaction in love and happy endings?”

“There is,” he said. “The harm is believing in something that isn’t real, Miss Blakeslee.” He stepped closer, and my feet faltered. “Love only brings misery. To think otherwise is foolish. You just declared life is full of tragedy—”

“And that is why love is needed!”

“And that is what love causes.”

Neither of us moved and I could feel his warm breath on me. It was only then I realized how close we stood, my neck craning to look up at him, but I had no desire to move away.

“You do not understand love then,” I whispered.

The resentment in his gaze caught me by surprise. “And you do?”

“Love has saved me.” His eyes searched mine. “The love I know has the power to lift and to heal, to see past weakness and turn it to strength.”

“Love is fickle and will fail you.”

“Never.” I said, shaking my head as tears stung my vision. “I do not know what counterfeit you describe but the love I have found is faithful and unconditional.”

He said nothing, and his eyes drifted from mine in contemplation. After taking a deep breath he looked down at me again. He wore the stern expression I knew so well and took a step back. “I hope you are correct in your judgment,” he said with a brisk nod.

As he turned from me, I wanted to call out to him, but I was too confused to contrive a response. I followed him to the study in a daze. Edwin positioned himself near the desk with his eyes cast to the floor as Diana glanced between us bewildered.

“How is it you’ve found something to quarrel about already? You were in there less than five minutes. Perhaps I should take on the role of mediator instead of chaperon for the two of you.”

Neither Edwin nor I smiled.

“This will not do. What was the disagreement this time?”

“There was not a disagreement,” Edwin said. “Well, at least that is not what caused the discontent.”

Curious what the cause had been I glanced in his direction, anxious for him to finish. A knock interrupted his revelation.

Diana shot to her feet and reached out her arm toward me. “We will go out the library.”

Edwin blocked our retreat. “You are fine to leave out the study door.” He shifted his gaze at the repeated knock. “Come in.”

The butler opened the door, his eyes gliding over Diana and me. “The Slytons are here to see you, Mr. Stanton.”

“Show them in.”

The Slytons? I was familiar with the name, but surely they were not the same as I had known. My heart picked up pace regardless of what I told myself. The door opened again, and a tall, wiry lady accompanied by a shorter, burly man stepped through the door. They were older and somehow uglier, but it was them. My knees nearly gave out, and I tightened my hold on Diana’s arm for support.

“Mr. and Mrs. Slyton, I am pleased you finally agreed to make the trip to Timpton. This is my sister, Mrs. Ellis, and our friend, Miss Abigail Blakeslee.”

Mrs. Slyton nodded in our direction but abruptly turned her attention back to Edwin. “With such a gracious offer, how could we resist?” Her scratchy voice brought a slew of memories that made my body tremble.

I cautiously turned to find Mr. Slyton inspecting me through squinted eyes. Did he recognize me? I hadn’t seen him since I was a little girl, and I hoped the years had done their job adequately enough to disguise me. I lifted my chin, attempting to appear unaffected by his presence and was relieved when Mr. Slyton turned toward Diana, appraising her with the same disgusting grimace he’d given me. I looked to Edwin and found him returning my gaze, a peculiar expression on his features.

Edwin moved to my side and placed a firm hand around my waist, guiding me to the door. My ears were ringing, and I was confident he said something to me, but I couldn’t be sure. As we walked from the study, his touch retracted, and Diana took his place, directing me back down the corridor.

I was uncertain where I was being led and soon found myself seated in a distantly familiar room.

“Bring refreshment at once!” Diana’s voice echoed through my mind. My head was spinning, and I rested it against the chair as my vision faded into blackness.

    

Author Jess Heileman 

 In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. It was a solid storyline: there was this pig that wore a wig–and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. “You won a ribbon for that?” Yes. Yes, she did. Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades–and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories. Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows. 

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Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/22/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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