How to Kiss a Debutante: Miracle Express: Marsden Descendants, #4

By Dawn Brower and Miracle Express

Aletha Dewitt has led a charmed life. At least that is how it appears from the outside looking in. Yes, she has had everything a person could possibly desire—except real respect. Because she was born female her grandfather doesn't believe she is capable enough to be a part of the family business. What he doesn't realize is she has more ideas and ambition than her brother will ever have. She sets out to prove to him she's more than up to the task. Nothing will stand in her way, not even love.

Rafael, Conte Leone is traveling to attend the wedding of one of his closest friends. He never imagined he'd meet the woman of his dreams on a train, but he fully intends to do everything possible to win her heart. Even help her take the mantle of one of the largest candy suppliers in the country. The problem is convincing the lady that they belong together…

With Christmas around the corner miracles are a very real possibility. Both Rafael and Aletha start to believe they could have it all with the magic of love…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monarchal Glenn Press
• Release date: Dec 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393315056

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How to Kiss a DebutanteFull Page Image

How to Kiss a Debutante Copyright © 2019 by Dawn Brower

All rights reserved.

Cover art by Victoria Miller

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Never love anyone who treats you like you're ordinary.

Oscar Wilde

How to Kiss a Debutante

Marsden Descendants Book Four

Dawn Brower

Monarchal Glenn Press

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Epilogue

About The Author

Also by Dawn Brower

Afterword

Excerpt: Chance of Love

Prologue

Dawn Brower

Excerpt: Confessions of a Hellion

Prologue

Excerpt: A Treasured Lily

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

November 1922

Aletha Dewitt pulled her coat tighter around her as she walked into the Carter Candy headquarters. Her maternal grandfather was the owner and CEO of the multimillion-dollar company. Her mother, Esther Carter Dewitt, was his sole heir. Her grandfather, Phillip Carter, came from a long line of male chauvinists that believed a woman’s place was at her husband’s side or at home taking care of the children. So on while her mother was Aletha’s grandfather’s only child, Esther would never have control over the company. It would either go to Aletha’s father or her brother, Christian Dewitt. Not that her mother showed any interest in the company… Aletha didn’t understand her mother at all.

Aletha’s father, Thomas Dewitt, had his hands full with his own family’s company. So he’d probably pass the Carter Candy Company to Christian. It didn’t matter that her father was grooming Christian to take over Dewitt Enterprises. Her father was very much like her grandfather. He’d never consider her for a role in business. Which was why Aletha hoped to change her grandfather’s mind about a woman becoming involved in business.

She headed to the stairs. An elevator had been installed in the building, but Aletha found the small closed in space…uncomfortable. There was something that seemed a little unsafe about the contraptions. It would take a lot for her to trust them. Besides her grandfather’s building was only three stories. It wouldn’t take long to go up all three flights to the top floor where his office was located.

Aletha was a little out of breath by the time she reached the top floor. She usually didn’t exert herself quite so much. She took a minute to catch her breath then ran her hands over her skirt. It wouldn’t do to approach her grandfather looking out of sorts. His strong opinions also included one’s appearance. She could almost hear him in her head. Young ladies do not go out in public with worn or wrinkled clothing. It shows lack of breeding to be seen in an unkempt manner.

She mentally rolled her eyes. Her grandfather’s old-fashioned outlook on everything was the first problem. Convincing him of taking a chance on her, a lowly ignorant female, would be difficult at best. Perhaps she was pinning her hopes and dreams on something that would be impossible to make happen. Aletha had to at least try.

I’m ready, she said to herself. If she kept saying that to herself maybe she would be too. She went to her grandfather’s office. The door was open. That would make this a little easier. Aletha raised her hand and rapped it against the doorframe. Her grandfather glanced up and met her gaze. He had silver hair mixed with sprinkles of white. The appearance was like silver silk dusted with snow. His eyes were an ice blue to match his frosty locks. Phillip Carter could freeze out anyone with just one glance. His gaze didn’t warm any when he noticed her in the doorway. No one was safe from his frigid attitude, especially his family. He refused to be soft for any reason. In some ways Aletha respected him for that, but mostly she wished she had a caring grandparent. Hello grandfather, she said and walked into the office.

Nerves shot through her when he didn’t deign to greet her. He continued to stare at her as if expecting something from her, but she didn’t know what. The urge to babble filled her. She wouldn’t give in to it though. If she did it would only show her grandfather how right he was to dismiss her as inferior. Instead she slowly walked into the room and kept her back straight. She would not show him any weakness.

Finally he set his pen down and sighed. What is it now, Aletha?

Why did he automatically assume… She shook that thought away before it fully formed. I would like to discuss my future with you.

He lifted a brow. I didn’t think there was much to discuss. You’ll find some blue blood to marry, have a child or two, maybe be part of a charity or two. What is there to discuss?

She would not roll her eyes. How…archaic, she said drolly. His thought process was completely absurd. I thought I might contribute a little more than a few children to the world. How dull did he expect her life to be?

What else can you do? He shrugged. That’s your lot in life.

This is a new era grandfather. Women have more rights, more say, than they did in the past. The 19 th amendment ensured that. I’d like to think that it shows a woman is worth more than her ability to birth children. There were a lot of women that fought for the right to vote. To take control of their lives.

"I fail to understand what this has to do with your future, her grandfather replied. He had an arrogant tone to his voice. That sort of thing is for other women. You’re a debutante. Society has different expectations for you."

She threw her hands up in frustration. That’s the type of attitude they fought against every step of the way. I want a chance to prove I’m more than a pretty face with a hefty dowry to offer.

Why bother? He picked up his pen and started writing. Her grandfather clearly wasn’t in the mood to continue this discussion. In the end you’ll still end up married with children to occupy your time. That’s what a female is best at.

Aletha was tired of hearing that lame excuse. She blew out a breath and prayed for patience. This was nothing new. She could handle it. She would handle it. I have a proposition. I would like you to consider it.

I don’t have time for this, he said in an attempt to dismiss her.

Grandfather, she said sharply. Listen to what I have to say. Completely. If at the end you think it won’t work then I’ll leave and we’ll never discuss it again.

He let out a disgusted breath. All right. I’ll listen but I’m not making any promises.

Of course he wouldn’t. I don’t expect anything less from you.

Quit stalling girl. I have important work to do. Say your piece and then go.

I have ideas that could contribute to this company. Give me one chance to prove to you that I have good business sense. If I fail…

If you fail we lose money, he interrupted her. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take.

She wanted to stomp her foot and scream at him. Why wouldn’t he give her a chance? If it were Christian he’d pat him on the back and tell him what wonderful ideas he had. I think we can expand the company to England. She would continue with her proposal and he would listen. Instead of shipping the candy on steamers and losing some of the freshness we can manufacture it there. The cost…

Would be astronomical, he said. We would need a new factory, equipment, employees… It would probably take months maybe years for us to see a profit.

But once we did it would be a good one. It’s a risk I think would put Carter Candy Company above every other manufacturer. Please let him see how it could work.

I’m not saying it’s a good idea, he began. But I’m willing to consider it. You’re going with your family for that wedding. While you’re there scout locations. Meet with a solicitor and figure out what would need to be done to make it work. This is just an idea without anything to back it up. I need more information before I can consider it.

Aletha almost jumped up with joy. She would not show any emotion though. I can do that.

Now go, he said as he waved his hand at her. You’ve interrupted my day enough already.

She didn’t bother to respond to his remark.