The Sensible Choice

By Sylvia Blackwell

Major Gervase Benefield returns injured from the wars to find himself the unlikely heir to a dukedom. Unfortunately, there are many more debts than assets.

Miss Sarah Strong is the daughter of a weathy businessman and an accomplished businesswoman in her own right. Although she has no desire to marry, she agrees to a marriage of convenience to further her father's business interests and the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sylvia Blackwell
• Release date: Aug 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476121079

Book preview

The Sensible Choice

(What a Duke Needs – Second Installment in the Choice Series)

To my grandmother, Mary Moss Dial.

The Sensible Choice

By Sylvia Blackwell

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Dietlinde Dial

Prologue

Chauncey was the primary residence of the Duke of Beddington, a relatively new title awarded for services of the first Duke, formerly a privateer, for service to the Crown. It lay in a neglected park in Sussex. Advantageous marriages and investments had allowed the first three Dukes to add several additional residences and a townhouse to the ducal estates. The ducal residence overlooked the Weald, a forest with thousands of old growth trees. The property encompassed a portion of the Weald where Sussex cattle, claimed to be the finest beef in England, were raised. In addition, the estate contained a portion of land that did not suit agriculture due to the nature of the soil and on which sheep grazed. The property ran to the river Arun with its fertile banks which housed many farms.

A curious sight would have greeted those of sensitivity who, through natural gifts or inebriation, had the ability to see the amazing site of an elaborately dressed gentleman sitting upon a gable of the great house of Chauncey. That gentleman sat knee bent with elbow resting on it, and chin in elbow as he contemplated his former estates. The site was astounding, not merely because of the unusual resting place of this gentlemen but due to his unusual garb. For he was dressed in the style of a century before with a large black wig, long coat of rich gold which extended almost to his stockings, and an embroidered waistcoat almost as long as his coat, unbuttoned at the last three buttons so he could sit. This gentleman’s frowning countenance would have intimidated all but the bravest. If any did in fact see this apparition, they never told. For since it was midday, none would have thought this figure a specter as it was well know that ghosts only roamed at night.

The bejeweled figure was gazing upon the Beddington estates. Unfortunately, the once grand estate had fallen on hard times beginning with the fourth Duke who was addicted to gaming, wenching, and wagers. The gardens were overgrown and close inspection of the tenant farms showed neglect and the absence of investment in the land which had provided an excellent living to the Dukes for well over a century.

The country of Sussex was known for its mild weather since it was on the coast. However, its location in relation to the channel and the Continent, also led to periods of greater heat in the summer or short periods of greater than normal cold in the winter. Currently the area was experiencing an end-of-summer heat wave. Yet the figure on the roof did not feel the heat in his elaborate attire which surely must have been hot in the midday sun. The First Duke of Beddington did not feel the heat as he surveyed his estates, or more correctly his former estates, since he was now deceased, with a frown on his face.

By the Eighth Duke’s ascension, the legend of the haunting of Chauncey by the First Duke was well known among the servants. However, rather than leaving Chauncey in fear and trepidation, the servants called on the First Duke for assistance. The rumors of the guardian Duke had arisen during the Sixth Duke’s only visit to the estate upon his father’s death. He had brought with him companions who, like himself, were rumored to be members of the Hellfire Club. Exploits of this club were whispered about throughout society and their excesses appeared to show no bounds.

Legend had it that a young housemaid was attacked by one of the Duke’s Hellfire associates and as she struggled and screamed with futility, the First Duke, recognized by his portrait in the Long Gallery, appeared in all of his elegance, grabbed the rake by his collar and pulled him off this unfortunate maid. Legend further had it that the First Duke had proceeded to beat that drunken cad to within an inch of his life while the terrified maid huddled crying in a corner. The story continued that the First Duke held out his hand to that young woman who took it to rise, having no idea she beheld a specter. The First Duke, after helping the unfortunate woman to her feet, introduced himself and handed the young woman several gold sovereigns while encouraging her to be on her way.

While this was the first installation, or intervention, of the Legend of the First Duke, it was not the last. Despite the superstitious fear that traditionally affected the lower orders, the servants at Chauncey considered the First Duke the true master of Chauncey and called upon him in times of trouble. He had been known to pay wages when called upon. Twice he was rumored to have placed gold sovereigns upon the beds of young ladies wishing to marry, but being servants having no dowry. Once he was said to have pushed a young footman out of the way when the chandelier in the great hall came down during a ferocious thunderstorm.

Had any witnessed the First Duke as he sat upon the roof that bright day in August, they surely would have quaked in their boots, even had they not known the First Duke was a ghost. The First Duke ws unconcerned with witnesses, as he was completely focused on the failures of his heirs to maintain the estate he had worked so hard to create. His son and grandson, while disappointing in their lack intelligence, at least loved the land as he had. Subsequent to his grandson’s death, profligates, wastrels, and Greek lovers had followed, much to his disgust.

Soon, the First Duke knew, the Ninth Duke in the line would arrive. From the servant’s gossip, the First Duke knew that his new heir was a war hero with a ghastly injury, according to the Eighth Duchesses’ abigail. Well, thought the First Duke, if he is another disgrace, I shall rid the estate of him just as I did the others.

***

Unaware of his eminent rise in fortune, Major the Honorable Gervase Benefield had ventured out in public for the first time since his return from the war in the Peninsula. During those campaigns the Major had received several injuries. Infection in his hand, the most serious of his wounds, caused his physician and family to fear for his life at one point.

On this particular summer day, Gervase accompanied his mother, Lady Bruxton, on some of her errands. Although Gervase had no desire to visit the shops on Bond Street, he acquiesced because he knew that it would please his mother. When leaving the house, he had donned a specially made glove on his right hand. Current fashion saw gentlemen and ladies wearing gloves almost all of the time. As Gervase had lost all of the fingers on his right hand, save his thumb, he was thankful for the current fashion. The loss of his fingers along with the scarring made his hand appear grotesque, as he termed in his own mind. Each day Gervase was training himself to use his left hand in greeting others, but almost 29 years of using the right hand, this transition was difficult for both himself and others.

Of course, much of the ton, and all of his mother’s intimates, were aware had had been injured. His mother had almost confined herself to her house during his recovery. Fortunately, Gervase always managed to avoid the curiosity of the ton by remaining in his study when his mother entertained guests.

At first, this initial foray into society went well. Lady Bruxton was clearly pleased to have her tall son escorting her. A happy hour passed in several establishments before the pair entered Hookam’s to allow Lady Bruxton to exchange a book. It was here that Gervase learned how gently bred females would view the injury he received serving his country.

Upon entering Hookam’s, Lady Bruxton presented Gervase to Lady Leticia Gordon and her daughter, Lady Mary Gordon. Forgetting his deformed hand, Gervase attempted to raise Lady Mary’s hand in salutation. Lady Mary’s eyes had fallen to his gloved right hand with its missing fingers. Her eyes widened, her mouth formed an O of shock and she promptly fainted. Her mother, being of sterner stuff, upon seeing his gesture with his right hand, backed away from him. Turning and rushing to her daughter’s assistance, Lady Leticia informed Lady Bruxton that Young ladies could not be expected to tolerate such unpleasantness. Gervase was humiliated and his mother furious.

So, it was that Gervase began to realize that the young innocents society so strenuously sought to protect would never accept his injury. Previously, Gervase had valued the fact that gentlewomen knew nothing of the poverty, hunger, war or unpleasantness of the lower orders or of countries ravaged by war. Now he realized that the unpleasantness such ladies were protected from included his injury.

Chapter 1

Lord Lowden walked into the shabby library in the small London townhouse of Lady Bruxton Benefield after having given the butler his hat and gloves. As he was a regular visitor, he asked not to be announced but strode to the library. Lord Lowden knocked and entered when he heard permission to enter. His gaze immediately went to the desk in the corner before which his godson Major Benefield sat. Benefield was the only son of Lord Lowden’s closest friend, Lord Bruxton Benefield, fourth son of the Fifth Duke of Beddington. Lord Lowden had married Bruxton Benefield’s younger sister, Lady Mariette.

Major Benefield, Gervase to his friends, sat with quill in hand and appeared to be writing a letter. He was casually attired in a brocade dressing gown. He turned when Lord Lowden entered and rose to greet his uncle.Lord Lowden, how delightful to see you, stated Major Benefield. Pray be seated. Gervase looked at his uncle and deceased father’s closest friend wondering what could have brought him to London in the middle of the summer ,when the heat and stench of the city was its unhealthiest.

Gervase, you look well, stated Lord Lowden as he sat upon a chair near the fireplace. His gaze searched the Major’s face noting the creases etched by months of pain in his forehead and the pallor of his complexion. Lowden’s gaze went involuntarily to the Major’s right hand which was no longer wrapped as it had been when last he had visited his nephew. The right hand appeared to almost be a stump with only the thumb and palm remaining. Lowden knew the surgeon had wanted to remove the entire hand and had only been stopped by Thurbot’s, Gervase’ batman and now his valet, insistence that only the fingers that had been blown off during the battle be removed.

Gervase also had been shot in the shoulder, yet that would have healed fairly well. It was the hand that had caused the fever which had laid Gervase out for weeks after the packet carrying the injured arrived in Dover and Lady Bruxton had Gervase moved to her home in London.

How is the pain? Lord Lowden inquired. Lowden was not surprised at his nephew’s continued pallor as the doctor had despaired of his nephew recovering at all.

Tolerable, sir. You found me attempting to write with my left hand. It feels futile, yet Dr. Knox assures me that he knows of several men who have mastered the use of their left hand and scarcely miss their right. The Major smiled slightly.

Gervase, I applaud your perseverance. How are your mother and your sister, Fanny? Asked Lord Lowden.

Mother is well and currently out buying essential accoutrements at Piccadilly. Fanny has left with her maid for Scotland. Her closest friend from school, Elizabeth MacTalmott, sent word last week that her husband of less than a year was killed in a riding accident. To make matters worse, Elizabeth is enceinte, with the child due just after Christmas. She begged Fanny to come keep her company during her confinement and mourning. Here Gervase paused for a moment.

Fanny did not wish to leave me, but I assured her that I was now quite well. Since Fanny was clearly worried about Elizabeth, Mother and I sent her to Scotland. We assume that it will be a long visit. But, what brings you to town, sir? asked the Major.

Gervase, I hesitate to burden you when you are so recently returned to health. Lord Lowden paused thinking of the months of worry they had had when the Major was returned to them from the Peninsula with packets of wounded. Lord Lowden had come to London when news that Gervase was bound for home on a ship transporting the ill and wounded had reached his ears at his estate in Sussex. He came to sit with Bruxton’s wife, Lady Bruxton as she awaited news of her only son. Lord Lowden was Gervase’s god-father and had purchased his coronetcy when Gervase, Army-mad at the time, had begged for it. He felt great relief upon Gervase’s return, but guilt for his part in handicap Gervase now suffered.

Lowden had long been friends of the Major’s family, having grown up with his father, Lord Bruxton, the youngest son of the Duke of Beddington.

Bruxton and Lowden had roamed the fields and countryside together as children. Neither had been sent to school, Lord Lowden because his father died shortly after his birth and his mother could not bear to have him sent away. Lord Bruxton had remained at home due to a sickly constitution. Bruxton, as the youngest son of the Duke with three older brother’s and a father who thought more of his paramours and wine than of the education of his youngest, had also not been sent to school.

The two boys became inseparable in their youth. They shared a tutor as both conspired to run off tutors until their respective parents allowed them to study together.

Lowden and Bruxton remained close while at Oxford. Then Bruxton had scandalized his family when he married the daughter of a clergyman of gentle, but not high birth, at the mere age of 19. His new wife was a beautiful widgeon who had more hair than wit.

Lowden had married several years later to Bruxton’s youngest sister, Mariette, who though not high in the instep, had little in common with her brother’s wife. Although still friends, they had not seen each other as often after their marriages.

Bruxton was allowed after several years to have a small unentailed house in London purchased by his grandfather years before. He survived upon a competence provided upon the death of a maternal uncle. His family refused to provide an allowance based upon his unequal marriage. Although Lord Lowden always supposed that the marriage was an excuse and that it was in fact lack of resources in the family coffers that caused the lack of allowance. e

What do you need to impart to me, sir? Gervase’s question brought Lord Lowden back to the present with a jolt.

Lowden responded to the inquiry by saying, Gervase, I know that you were not close to your uncle, the Duke… he hesitated.

You are correct, sir. As you know, my Uncle Oliver barely nods to me if we happened to come across each other in town. We hardly run in the same set. But you know all this, my lord. Gervase replied looking at his uncle quizzedly.

Gervase, it pains me to be the one to impart this news to you, but your Uncle Oliver broke his neck on the hunting field yesterday. I posted to London to tell you as soon as I heard the news. I am afraid that you are the new Duke of Beddington.

Gervase sat down on a settee across from his uncle. He seemed stunned by the news.

The title seems jinxed in recent decades, uncle. Gervase finally stated, Not a single member of the family seems able to produce an heir to survive to take the title. Gervase paused, pulling a hand through his fashionably cropped hair. "I suppose

Reviews for The Sensible Choice

[herethere · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you dear Sylvia for writing this novel.. I enjoy it so much. I really missed reading good regency novel...

This is fun little book with characters behaving as real people. Coming from country where arranged marriage is common. This how really people act. At least , in happy arranged marriage. No drama not angst two rational people behave as they supposed to behave.

[Leena Aluru · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Overall the book was nice. A simple arranged marriage that turns into a love match. Nice family romance. What was truly creepy was the romance between a human and ghost. That is what put me off.

[nsalvatori_650713441 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I read this several years ago and enjoyed it. Reading it again I still enjoyed it.