The Twelfth Night Queen’s Deception

By Rita Bay

Amelia Fontaine was betrothed to her cousin, Percy Westbury, while she was still in leading strings. When Percy and his family arrive for a long holiday visit, Amelia is dismayed by the prospect of the impending arranged marriage. With his estate in shambles, Percy flaunts his plans to use Fontaine Hall's wealth to benefit his family's fortunes. When Percy demands that Amelia end her friendship with her neighbor, Edward Thornton, will she choose to follow tradition or pursue happiness?

Edward Thornton, the Earl of Bridgwater, couldn't remember a time he didn't love Amelia. He didn't believe her grandmother would insist on the arranged marriage, until the entire Westbury clan invites themselves to Fontaine Hall. When Edward discovers Percy's secret life and his sinister plans for Amelia, he embarks on a campaign to rescue her. Will the Twelfth Night Queen help him save his beloved from her cruel fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Champagne Book Group
• Release date: Dec 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781771552172

Book preview

Champagne Books Presents

The Twelfth Night Queen’s Deception

By

Rita Bay

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HIGH RIVER, AB

CANADA

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

CHAMPAGNE BOOKS 

www.champagnebooks.com

Copyright 2015 by Rita Bay

ISBN 978-1-77155-217-2

December 2015

Cover Art by Ellie Smith

Produced in Canada

Champagne Book Group

19-3 Avenue SE

High River, AB T1V 1G3

Canada 

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Other Books By Rita Bay

Conquering Cupid

Finding Eve

Her Teddy Bare

Into The Lyons’ Den

The Aegis

One

Fontaine Hall, Somerset , 1809

Look at them, dear Charlotte. Aren’t they perfect together? Georgina Thornton, who fancied herself a matchmaker extraordinaire, sighed and sipped her mulled cider.

Charlotte Fontaine glanced at the young couple playing chess beside the dayroom’s ivy-garlanded window with a view of the gardens of Fontaine Hall. Her Amelia, a petite beauty with blonde hair and blue eyes who took after herself in looks and temperament, and Edward, a broad-shouldered aristocrat with dark hair and eyes, did make a handsome pair. But they had no future together and her life-long best friend knew it. Enough, Georgina. You know our grandchildren can’t make a match. Amelia has been promised to the Westbury heir since she was a toddler. Fontaines marry Westburys. It’s always been that way.

Georgina snorted. The Westburys aren’t what they used to be. Your nephew married below his station. John’s match with Horatia was a disappointment to your parents and his father, your own brother. The woman’s from a family of upstart farmers.

Charlotte sipped her cider and calmed her temper. You judge them too harshly. I seem to remember you married above your station also. When the Earl of Bridgwater laid eyes on you, he lost his heart. Her friend had been one of the most beautiful girls to come out that Season. Tall with dark hair and eyes, she was outside the conventional view of pretty, but she was brilliant and had a smile and personality that captured any room she entered. Today, the Dowager Countess Bridgwater was still a beauty with silver hair and an aristocratic carriage.

It was love at first sight for me also. I was the most fortunate of women. Georgina patted her arm. All the better that you were betrothed to my Alex’s best friend and neighbor—a Fontaine, of course. We’ve been able to remain close all these years and support each other through our sad times.

Charlotte sat in silence for a moment remembering all they had lost. Their husbands dead within a few years of each other, leaving them widowed young, each with a son to raise alone. Their boys growing up best friends and schoolmates, even marrying cousins. Then, the tragedy. Young Edward and her Amelia had stayed at home the spring their parents traveled together to London for the Season. They never arrived. A carriage accident ended their lives and left two widows to raise their grandchildren alone.

Charlotte sighed. We’ve done well by them, haven’t we?

Georgina nodded. We have reason to be proud of the children and the estates. Both have flourished under our care. The staff has been a blessing. Without the Conrads, I don’t believe I could have managed Bridgwater Abbey until Edward assumed the duties of the Earldom.

And the Wilsons here at Fontaine Hall, Charlotte added. They’ve been loyal to our families for generations. I would like to do something nice for them for Boxing Day and Twelfth Night. This time next year, Percy Westbury will have married Amelia and become master of Fontaine Hall.

Georgina slammed her cup into the saucer. I can’t believe you will force our Amelia into an arranged marriage. She’s only eighteen, a green girl. Percy’s well over thirty and looks even older. He followed her around everywhere when Amelia was in London to be presented and have her Season. Protecting his interests, I’d wager.

Charlotte smiled. I know from whom. Edward wears his feelings for Amelia on his sleeve. Though he’s not the only one who expressed interest in my girl. I turned away several suitors who approached me about a match with her, until the news of her betrothal was spread about.

I can guess by whom. If it wasn’t Percy telling the tale, it was his mother Horatia. Westbury Manor isn’t fine enough for her. I heard in town that she lives beyond the family’s means. She spent a fortune trying to launch Millicent. Without a hefty dowry, I can’t see the bluestocking making a good match. I wonder where they’ll find the money for her dowry and a fifth Season. Her friend looked at the young couple playing chess, who were oblivious to their conversation. Or maybe I can hazard a guess.

I believe you underestimate the Westbury family, Georgina. I’ve heard nothing about any financial woes. I was raised at Westbury Manor. It has always been prosperous and remains so, according to my great-nephew Percy. As for the betrothal, Amelia’s parents arranged the match before they died and I won’t gainsay them. I’ve promised her another Season before the wedding next fall after she turns nineteen, but I’m determined she will marry Percy Westbury.

Charlotte poured more spiced cider into their cups. For now, though, let’s complete our plans for the holidays. Christmas is only three days away. The servants love the Twelfth Night celebration and I intend to sponsor a fine one for them and the entire community on Epiphany Eve.

A brilliant idea, Charlotte. Let’s hold the celebrations for both households here in your orchards. They’re the finest in Somerset.

Thank you, dear. I love the holiday season. She looked around the dayroom hung with fragrant garlands and bunches of mistletoe. The fireplace and surround were ready to receive the massive Yule log that would burn throughout the twelve days of Christmas. Twelfth Night would be the culmination of her holiday spectacle. We can ask Amelia and Edward to help with...

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Amelia and Edward stopped their match. Williams entered carrying a salver. The butler bowed. A messenger delivered the note. He said a reply was not expected. He left as soon as I paid him.

Strange, Charlotte mused as she took the missive from the dish. I’m not expecting anything. She scanned the message quickly. Her breath caught