His Innocent Lady

By Mave Priestley

Charlotte is desperate to find a solution to her mother's worries. Recently widowed her mother is facing financial ruin with threatened eviction from a home the family has owned for generations. Charlotte on behalf of her mother appeals to two men from the same family. Only to be rejected. Some weeks on however, Charlotte is requested to meet with the second man to whom she had appealed. She found herself once again sitting with Sir Richard Stapleford, whom she had since their previous meeting had great difficulty in putting this handsome suave man out of her mind.
Charlotte unaware, that Sir Richard had suffered similar concerns. Unable to forget about the beautiful young and so earnest young woman. He now needed her help, if she should be willing to come to his aid, it would also solve her concerns so allowing her to assist her mother tin solving their financial and eviction worries.
Charlotte was surprised to be offered a position that would mean she would live in close contact with Sir Richard caring for his young daughter.
Suddenly her life had taken a turn for the better. She fully understood she was leaving herself open to heartbreak. There would be challenges for both Charlotte and Richard.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mave Priestley
• Release date: Mar 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463135914

Mave Priestley

Born and brought up in Lancashire, England, in the North West coastal town, Barrow-in-Furness.Married in my early twenties and lived in various parts of Europe, then returned to the UK to live in Bradford, West Yorkshire. For the next eighteen years raised a family and held down a busy career in Human Rescource writing tin the evening and any free weekends a form of relaxation.After thirty eight years of marriage, our children having families of their own; we having five lovely Grandchildren, we then moved to France.Moving on from the previous sentence we celebrated our fiftieth Wedding Anniversary in 2018. Still have our home in a quiet part of Morbihan, Brittany. I continue to enjoy writing Romantic Novels, while my husband gardens, providing fresh produce all year round. Plenty to keep us busy, visits from family and friends, and an active life within the local French community. (The present Pandemic unfortunately has restricted that contact between friends and family ) At this point I must give thanks to a friend Dr Jenny Sullivan, for her encouragement in editing my earlier novels also her continued support as a friend.When needing to take a break from writing my novels go to my sewing room: creating Clothes, quilting, other items for our home. Exercising is a must, in the absence of the Gym and Aqua Gym being open, also walking, not so much hiking these days. Plenty of housework, cooking, making my own bread and seasonal bottling of fruit and vegetables. All of which keep me active physically and mentally.Back to my writing, I want my readers to enjoy my stories as much as I enjoy creating each one. A happy conclusion is a must. Continuing the theme of romance, I chose the present photo for my profile from snaps when attending the wedding of a niece since that was over ten years ago, I will in the near future update the profile photo when I have the time to look through recent snaps.

Book preview

Introduction

His Innocent Lady

‘I need a wife, ‘Sir Richard said blandly.

On a tilt of her head Charlotte wondering had she heard him correctly. Inclining his head acknowledged her reaction. Why was he telling her, would he want her to arrange that for him too? She could not. I won’t. She would tell him; he should go to a dating club or look up a dating site.

‘I want you to be my wife Charlotte.’ He waited few second, letting what he had said sink in, seeing he had her attention he continued, ‘You’re everything I need in a wife. For the first six months, we will live as we are our marriage will be one of friendship. We would, then I hope to move onto a more fulfilling marriage. Ruth will be over the moon. I am willing for us to have more children. I won’t lie to you Charlotte; I’m not looking for romance; and I’m not offering you love.’

Charlotte wondered if she was sleeping and this was all a dream. Richard moved and leaned towards her taking hold of her right hand, he helped her to her feet. No, certainly not a dream, the warmth from his hands as on their first meeting encompassed hers. Had he asked her to marry him?

‘Ah, I see I’ve shocked you. You are a beautiful young woman. My understanding is that you’re not currently involved with anyone that is unless you sneak out in the dead of night to a secret tryst.’

Charlotte shook her head, still in shock. Refrained from saying, ‘This is so sudden’ knowing that would sound trite. Had he guessed she was in love with him?

Other books by Mave Priestley

Paperback

Chartrand’s Broken Angel

Markham’s Charity Bride

Darroch’s Promise

Saunders’: His Reclaimed Wife

Safe in Lecourt’s Arms

His Innocent Lady

E books

Chartrand’s Broken Angel

Markham’s Charity Bride

Darroch’s Promise

Saunders’: His Reclaimed Wife

Safe in Lecourt’s Arms

Web site:

hhtps//www.mavepriestleyauthromance.com

Copyright © Mavis Priestley

April 2020

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His Innocent Lady

Mave Priestley

Chapter 1

Understanding dawned she was not going to get what she so desperately needed, from this obnoxious man. Requesting this meeting had been a grave error of judgment on her part.

Only that morning Charlotte had boarded the train for London, with such high hopes. The dreadful reality: her family home, where she lived with her mother and two younger siblings, her stepsisters, was at stake. Geoffrey Stapleford had not even had the courtesy to allow her a proper hearing.

On the train back to Horsham, thankfully, only a smattering of passengers in the carriage. She allowed her thoughts to take her back to how the discussion had played out. Immensely down hearted, and chilled to the bone, having experienced abuse from the man when she had anticipated politeness at the very least.

Geoffrey Stapleford ridiculed her offer that in her innocence seemed an ideal solution. What gave him the right to treat her as a whore was beyond her comprehension. The misunderstanding had been his alone, not that he made an effort to discuss her proposition.

She was furious at how rude he had been. She should have known better, the letter he had written to her mother a recently bereaved widow, informing her how he had acquired Ridgeways, their home, a house that had been in Charlotte’s father’s family for generations should have made her wary. She was thankful her Mum knew nothing of her approach to the man who was about to rob them of their home.

Her Mum was finding it difficult to come to terms with Eric’s death. The threat of eviction would only depress her even more.

Geoffrey Stapleford had been adamant this his acquisition of the property, a beautiful house that had been in her father’s for generations was, set in stone.

Charlotte had been surprised when the man agreed to see her. He however was a surprise, being one of those unfortunates whose body from the waist down seemed imbalanced with his torso, a rather thick neck, short legs lending an appearance of stocky, rather than stout. A ruddy complexion, receding hairline made her think he was more suited to the life as a famer. His handshake had been limp, she, to her dismay experienced a disturbing feeling of repulsion.

His assessing gaze travelled from her face to her legs rather to quickly for her comfort. His lips when he returned his gaze to meet hers, held a slight smirk. His manner brusque on saying, ‘Sit down Charlotte, you don’t mind if I call you by your first name, titles of Miss Ms. and Mrs. so confusing.’

She shook her head not wishing to waste time, this man as the Head of a Bank would have other pressing matters. In what she hoped was a politely precise manner, she opened her appeal with, ‘Firstly thank you Mr Stapleford for agreeing to meet with me, so I may raise the matter of Ridgeways with you.’

An almost condescending nod his only response, taking it as encouragement she continued, ‘You’ll have learned of the death of my beloved step-father a few weeks ago in a car crash. My mother was with him and she suffered serious injuries.’

This time he gave a very slight tilt of his thinning grey-haired head, his only acknowledgement, of a tragic fatal accident, so shocking for her family.

‘The night the accident occurred, my step-father had been discussing with my mother and myself the matters pertaining to the letter you had written to him earlier that week. Naturally, he was distraught, though my mother, such a darling, loving Eric so deeply as always encouraging him on a course of action she felt he should take.’

She noted the puzzlement in his eyes, but he maintained his silence.

‘I agreed with her, but now Eric is dead, it falls to my mother to contact you. Regretfully that is not possible her mind since the accident, is frail, she becomes easily upset and depressed. She has no clear recollection of that evening’s conversation. She remains in hospital recovering from her injuries.’

The hated man had unsettled her, on his gaze once more strayed over her body; the phrase, undressing a woman with his eyes but never before experienced that feeling.

Having dressed with extreme care in a dark purple Jaeger costume, underneath she wore a toning silk blouse and, on her feet,, a pair of comfortable, but higher than what was normal for her heeled sandals. She had taken care to be minimalist with both eye shadow and lipstick rarely did she apply foundation creams. The number of male glances of appreciation she had noted on the train bolstered her confidence. In retrospect, she was certain that she had not given the appearance of being open to receiving sexual advances.

She had been careful to be business like in putting forward her proposal for repaying what this man had indicated Eric owed him. ‘What I wish to suggest Mr Stapleford is that my mother be allowed six months in which to pay the money you demanded in your letter. Regretfully I cannot give an exact date for the final payment. My mother is presently unable to deal with such complicated issues. I will be acting on her behalf.’

He nodded, before he told her, ‘That is indeed unfortunate. I find myself in a position where I cannot allow six months to pass without at least three quarters of the payment being made.’

The coldness in his eyes caused her to squirm, she inwardly chastised herself, ‘Face up to him, you can, you must.’ His negative response had been expected, so she prepared an alternative plan.

Biting her lower lip, rising, she stepped forward holding out a folder, instead of reaching out a hand to take it, he looked at it as if it where something he had no idea what to do with. ‘What is that?’ he demanded in an irate squeaky voice.

Charlotte fought back a laugh at the look of consternation on the ruddy face. Turning retraced her steps, sitting, proceeded to explain the contents of the folder. ‘I’ve put together a proposition I trust you’ll find agreeable.’

She watched him puff out his chest as he laconically leaned back in the rather too high-backed chair, then demand gruffly ‘Tell me. I never bother reading realms of paper,’ tapping the forefinger of his right hand on the file.

Forcing her lips into a smile, grateful he was willing to hear what she had to say. ‘Hmm, hmm,’ she coughed to clear her now dry throat, ‘only when my mother is out of hospital can we vacate Ridgeways, then we shall move into the Gate House, as that along with the surrounding lands, belong to myself. I have inherited those from my father’s parents.’

She saw his look of incredulity, then he was bellowing, more blustering, ‘Are you telling me that the whole of the farm land, the Gate House and immediate gardens, of the property didn’t belong to Eric, that he’d no right to include those in the exchange deal for refreshed funds?’

‘Yes. That is correct.’ She lowered her gaze to her hands, now clenched tightly on her lap. ‘No claim can be made through my estate, to cover Eric’s debts.’

She thought in that moment the man sat opposite her was about to explode. Aware he had demanded that her mother pay the rest of the money he said was outstanding, Charlotte agreed with their solicitor, she would offer half the amount this man had demanded in his letter. It would come from money left her by her grandmother, her mother’s mother.

It was risky, but she was certain it would work. Leaning forward, told him, I will settle part of the outstanding payment, half a million pounds, but cannot do so until I reach the age of twenty-five which is in six months. Until then I’m willing to offer you my services as__’ seeing him sit forward at that point, she hesitated, before continuing, ‘I’ve been running our home for five years, and I am certainly able to cover as a Housekeeper. I would live in the main house, while my mother and sisters will move to live in the Gate House.’

The man had the nerve to chuckle, stiffening her resolve, she continued, ‘I would have the use of those rooms, I presently use, a bedroom, and an area classed as a small studio where I carry out craft work from which I earn a reasonable income.’

Geoffrey, his face a mask of blandness, again sat back with nonchalant ease, and studied her in silence for some time. Though was half a minute or there about. What he said in response shook Charlotte out of the lethargy she had carried around since the changes of the family circumstances had come about. ‘Have I got this right Miss Barnes? It is Miss, isn’t it? I am beginning to wonder who you really are. You are offering your services as Housekeeper, so that you can remain living at Ridgeways, and your mother and sisters at the Gate House?’

Charlotte nodded, ‘That is correct. It would be easy for me to carry on caring for the house,’ forcing a smile to her lips, she continued, ‘I would also be willing to act as your hostess whenever you needed to entertain.’

She had been unprepared for the gleam of what she thought to be mischief that appeared in his grey eyes. Only comprehending the reason for it when he asked, his voice a purr that alerted her that this interview was not going in the direction she had hoped. ‘Hmm, that could prove interesting, what else could you offer, other than what was you said, House-keeping skills?

Unsure of the form the conversation was now taking, Charlotte frowned querying, ‘Me? sorry I’m not with you.’ Thought for a moment, of course he perhaps had misunderstood, urging confidence, told him, ‘Oh the hostess. I am good at hosting, and willing to offer my services for Dinner parties you may hold, as well whatever other social functions. Having dealt with Dinner parties and weekend parties over recent years for my mother and Er __ ic,’ faltering on her step-fathers name. ‘My hope is that you will retain the Cook and Gardener, the latter also does odd jobs around the estate.’

Geoffrey Stapleford shook his head, ‘No I think you know exactly what I mean. You are an attractive young woman it would be no hardship having you function as my hostess when I entertain. When only you and I it certainly appeals __, my having a Housekeeper dressed in the guise of a French Maid.’

Charlotte shaken by what she was hearing, disbelief left her speechless. Eventually, more composed, in a voice, shaking with rage, declined to expand on her proposal, he would have to wait for his money. ‘Mr Stapleford I shall be speaking with our solicitor tomorrow. He did tell me I would be wasting my time talking to you. I intend to prove that you gained our home illegally. Your inference that I’d accept your disgusting suggestion leaves me with no other alternative.’ Standing she gathered her handbag and leaned forward and picked up the folder she had placed on his desk. ‘I’ll see you in court Mr Stapleford ,’ placing emphasis on his title. ‘Eric did say the evening he died; he would be signing a contract the following morning. My understanding is that he never did sign a contract with you and certainly not for the additional monies you’ve demanded.’

The man had the gall to laugh and shake his head as if she were some poor deluded soul, ‘I made no outrageous suggestion. I asked you a question and let you consider the possibility.’ His eyes had been gleeful while telling her, ‘I most certainly agreed three million pounds for all the Ridgeway property. Eric signed a contract for that transfer. As well as all outstanding monies, I assure you that I do not intend sharing my home with anyone, least of all an innocent.’ He shook his head, a rueful smile touched his thick lips, ‘I’m telling you now so you know what to expect, my intention is to have every inch, every brick of that property just as Eric agreed. Banging a fist on his desk, on rising, Charlotte suddenly felt threatened, ‘No slip of girl will stop me. So, go away little girl and play at homemaking. Probably all your good for anyway.’

Mortified, Charlotte stepped back, shaking with rage, turned, and controlled herself sufficiently to walk at a sedate pace, out of his office, accompanied by his deep-throated chuckles.

On closing the imposing doors behind her, Charlotte was mortified to hear his continued laughter at her expense. With her head, held high she walked past his secretary. A sophisticated, blonde, not natural though, a bottle blonde, the amusing quip entered her upturned mind. About my age, Charlotte thought, difficult to tell with all, that thick make-up. The woman had a generous bosom out of proportion to her otherwise slim form. She was thinking how funny that it was those insignificant thoughts that were now holding her together.

Glancing up as Charlotte passed her desk, the other girl’s gaze contemplative, thinking how Geoffrey could be a pig at times. It seemed that he had overcome his earlier bad temper. He had not wanted to this meeting. No doubt, the young woman was wishing she had not pushed to get the appointment, poor thing, said softly ‘Goodbye,’ prepared to face her boss. She certainly did not like him, but he paid her well and she needed this job to give her the lifestyle she had always craved.

Charlotte gazing out of the carriage window at the fast passing countryside, thankful that she would soon be home. Tonight, she needed to visit her mother, try talking to her about the situation, but doubted she would get through to her.

Thinking back to when the horror had begun. Only one month ago when the problem Charlotte was trying desperately to solve had raised its head. She was not privy to Eric’s thoughts on that evening, if she had been could things have turned out so differently, she wondered. Dinner had begun amicably. Charlotte, her mother, and Eric Grisham Charlotte’s stepfather were halfway through eating the main course, when Eric landed a most unpleasant surprise on Charlotte and her mother.

The two women were unaware of the turmoil Eric was faced with. Normally having a healthy appetite, he was struggling to eat his plate of fillet steak and veg a favourite of his. Having managed to down the soup, gave up on what he usually appreciated, a plate of delightful home cooking. His stomach churned, knowing that he had to open up and admit the truth to his lovely wife. It was going to break her heart.

Katherine was a beautiful woman, he delighted in how young she appeared, at age forty-three to his fifty-one. He recalled their first meeting, at a friend’s dinner party. Seated opposite one another; he had known she had been invited primarily for him. The evening he was aware was a determined effort by his host whose wish was to see him happily married. It seemed she was optimistic that the latest guest she had paraded before him would be the one to end his bachelor existence. She had been so right. Cautious at first having learned Katherine was recently widowed he was concerned she may be looking for a meal ticket. He had an above moderate income, owning a string of Estate Agencies in the South West. That evening he fell in love for the first time in his life.

He had taken his time getting to know Katherine, not wishing to be seen a fool. Two months later and much to his surprise Katherine accepted his mumbled proposal of marriage.

Ten years on, he knew that they were happy. He had all he could have wanted, but now he would everything. Five years ago, his wife had surprised him on their fifth wedding anniversary. He had taken her away for the weekend. Her surprise telling him that she was pregnant. Eric overjoyed, was even more astounded when his wife presented him with the deeds for the house. Telling him, ‘Now that Mark Dodd is retiring, I really don’t want to be bothered with overseeing the property, I thought you may like to take it on. You have been doing most of the work on the estate for the last year anyway.’ In her excitement, Katherine had been less clear than she should have been when talking about the estate. ‘If you are concerned, about accepting I would ask that you create a new will and ensure that, our three girls inherit the house. Charlotte is happy for that to happen. I discussed it with her only last month. She has the land and the Gate House.’

Eric immediately fell deeper in love with his beautiful wife.

Now though he had to find a way to tell both the horrid facts. Placing his knife and fork on his half empty dinner plate, Eric looked at his wife, ‘Katherine, I’ve something important to tell you, Charlotte too should also hear what I have to say.’

Charlotte recalling how that dreadful evening panned out.

Katherine, looking across at her husband and asked, ‘What is it darling, you look worried. You best spit it out; I wouldn’t want you to get indigestion.’ Charlotte smiled, thinking that it was so like her mother, nothing ever fazed her. Eric in his time had managed to get himself into some scrapes, but never with another woman. She knew that would never be on the cards.

A young girl of fifteen she had been a little apprehensive when her mother told her she was marrying Eric. Charlotte’s father a Colonel in the military; he had died young, age thirty-two. His parachute failed to open while on exercise with his regiment in Canada. She found Eric amusing and he had always been kind to her, she quickly grew to love him. When the twins were born, she had been over the moon. She adored her stepsisters they were lovely the image of their mother. She wondered what was coming. Eric was pale, certainly extremely agitated.

Eric gave a grunt, before telling them, ‘The house has gone.’

Charlotte glanced across at her mother; her mother looked at her, puzzlement on both their faces, ‘Gone?’ her mother queried, while remaining calm.

‘Gone, lost, put it up as collateral against a deal that I was involved with for a multi-million-pound housing development. The bank collapsed. The recent bottoming in the economy,’ he said by way of explanation. ‘There are also other investors, who could stand to lose everything. I needed to cover my side of the losses. I had no choice in the matter being the main subscriber to the fund.’

Katherine disbelieving what she was hearing, Eric was always so careful in his dealings, how had he managed to get himself into such a mess. ‘What do you mean, lost the house? You don’t mean this house, my home?’

Charlotte saw that her mother was trying desperately to stay calm. She too was having difficulty, surely Eric must have gotten it wrong. She knew that the whole country was worried about the banking crisis in America. Nevertheless, that was America, not the U.K. Tentatively she asked, ‘You do mean building in England?’

Eric nodded, and told her, ‘Yes in Hampshire. Twenty, luxury homes, each priced at one million pounds.’

‘Twenty! How much was that costing you for goodness sake?’ Katherine in putting the question was so obviously becoming more agitated.

‘Ten million pounds initially, an American bank was backing the scheme. I had already started construction, but then the rug was pulled from under me, I stand to lose fifteen million pounds. So, this home of ours went, just like that,’ he clicked his fingers.

Katherine now as pale as her husband, demanded, ‘There must be something else you can do Eric, I’ve some shares, you too must have some with your holdings in your company. If we sell both, maybe we’d have enough to cover the losses without losing our home.’

Eric gave a miserable excuse for a laugh. ‘My love, no one is buying. Agencies have already started to close over here. I will have to close a number of my own soon, property is not moving, and will not be for a while. By then it will be too late. There is a six-month leeway before we must move out. A banker recently contacted me, saying he wished to buy the house, he offered three million. That money will go some way to recouping my losses. I am shortly to be declared bankrupt. I could well go to jail for failing to pay up. In America that is. I don’t relish spending a couple of years in an American jail.’

It was then that the full horror-struck Charlotte and her mother, ‘Jail! They cannot send you to Jail, Eric. They just can’t.’ Katherine rose to her feet. Wanting to show she would protect him from that fate. From whoever was threatening him?

Charlotte meanwhile was thinking hard, about what this would mean for them. To have to leave Ridgeways the only home she had ever known. Her mother too, thankful her father was not around to see this. Gave an inward depreciating laugh, they would not be in this awful position if he had been. His family whose family home it had been would have been devastated. It would be a wrench. They could well end up living in the States, Mum would want to be near to Eric. Her Mum would never leave him to suffer alone.

Charlotte knew her mother, as well as she knew herself. She was a strong woman who loved with all her heart and she loved Eric. She loved her children. Whatever the outcome she would do her utmost to protect them. ‘Who is this Banker Eric?’ Charlotte felt beholden to ask.

Eric looked across at his beautiful stepdaughter. She had her father’s looks. Mahogany brown hair, her eyes a deep brown were now almost black as she gazed across at him as shocked as he was.

‘Geoffrey Stapleford, I doubt if you’ve heard of him. He has offices in London