Annabella

By Jean Tims

Annabella, daughter and only child of Lord Simon Danvers was nurtured, given a good grounding in life by doting parents. She was quite lovely, with a mercurial mind, her father’s child in many ways, being much sought in society. In particular by her childhood friend who hesitated with his declaration at a moment in time that diverted Annabella from her desired path.
In disappointment she without realizing became arrogant, impatient. She was after all an heiress and could have her choice of any man except it seemed the one she wanted. Compromised by her impetuous behaviour and determination to have her own way she entered a loveless marriage bearing a son playing the role of obedient wife, her penitence.
Fate decreed otherwise leaving her a widow and free. Her focus settled on her son of whom she became extremely protective and for whom she began entrepreneurial ventures while she waited
Waiting seemed a word appropriate to her life in many ways she considered. Waiting for Charles to love her. Waiting for some passion to enter her life with Edward, waiting to be out of mourning. Waiting to be able to re enter society.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jean Tims
• Release date: May 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463177563

Book preview

House Of Danvers

Book 2 - Annabella ~ Indulged Daughter

By

Jean Tims

Published by Indulgent Quill at Smashwords

Copyright 2018 Jean Tims

House of Danvers Series - stories of family & connections in the dynasty created by Simon Danvers from the mid1800’s to modern times. Each story is individual however characters from the series may appear in each book

Thank you for downloading this eBook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favourite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Excerpt Book 3 Benjamin

Books in this Series

Other Books

About the Author

Connect & Comment

Chapter 1

Seated in his library mid-afternoon Charles Moreton caught the sound of voices. Striding out of his study he was pleased to greet his Aunt Elizabeth with Cousin Edward.

At last he said kissing Elizabeth and throwing an arm around Edward as they shook hands. How did you manage to drag Edward to town? he was asking. You are as lovely as ever Aunt, why has not some country squire whisked you away from your rusticating son?

Elizabeth laughed, Well there is yet some time for that, perhaps when I see Edward settled.

Her son smiled saying stop teasing Mama, let us get settled into our rooms so you can catch your breath.

Following a quiet dinner sitting comfortably together in Charles’ home Elizabeth had candidly asked Charles have you not found a lady to suit you yet?

Mama Edward groaned but was indeed surprised that Charles did not immediately dismiss her question.

Well Aunt Libby~ using his childhood name of affection for her Charles answered "the truth is my affections have long been engaged but the lady does not return my sentiments and I begin to look elsewhere. A Miss Welford ~ Lydia.

Her mother and Lady Jane Danvers were sisters.

We met some time ago when she was on a visit with that family then she had to return home urgently when her mother became ill and died.

She was in mourning for some time then continued at home supporting her father. She is presently visiting with the Danvers family and I am thinking to take up the acquaintance. I have called on her once.

I am intending a dance party tomorrow evening where she will be present and hope you will both accompany me."

Of course I will be happy to attend with you replied Edward. Mother do you wish to go?

Elizabeth thought only for a moment ~ it would be well for Edward to go without needing to attend to her. Would you mind very much if I do not. I would be happy to have a quiet evening before beginning my social rounds. I think I might retire now.

Thus it was agreed.

I do not recollect the Danvers family? Edward enquired should I?

Charles searched his memory. "Perhaps not, yet your father my father Lord Simon Danvers and Sir David St Cleeves were great friends in their youth. Still are though my father’s time in Malta in the diplomatic service suspends that a little but our families were close.

Lord Simon is my Godfather. It seems Bella - forgive me, Annabella their daughter and I have been like brother and sister since childhood.

She is such an outrageous impossible woman. Has had the occasional scape, nothing really and I have always been there for her."

He chuckled; Bella won’t tolerate being talked down to or dictated to by mere men. There have been a few gentlemen who have tried to win her but then here she will be saying Charles do be a love and discourage him."

We have developed a small signal if either of us needs to be relieved of an overzealous Mama or a persistent gentleman. We rub our right little finger over the right eyebrow and then rescue each other.

She adores her father and says he is the only Lord she will defer to.

Perhaps if there had been siblings she would have turned out differently.

Of course we talk in confidence and these things have been related to me by my father."

Of course said Edward it stays with me.

Chapter 2

Annabella’s dance had ended and the gentleman returned her to where her mother was seated as they were joined by her Cousin Lydia.

This is a bore she quietly commented to her mother who smiled politely before asking her niece Lydia are you enjoying yourself my dear?

Oh Aunt Jane indeed I am, it has been so long since I was in such company and danced so much replied Lydia "and I have been so fortunate Annabella to dance twice with Charles.

He is the most charming gentleman as is his cousin Sir Edward Chiltern."

Who is Edward? asked Annabella, I was not aware Charles had brought along a relative?

Mm I cannot see him at present said Lydia however he is to call on us with Charles. I believe he spends most of his time in the country. He is in town for a week or so staying with Charles.

Annabella’s father appeared beside them looking intently at his wife.

My love, may we have this waltz?

Annabella watched her parents on the dance floor. It was almost scandalous the way her father behaved to his wife, holding her so close. He was kissing her ear and whispered god knows what.

Slightly embarrassed she looked around the room at the chattering masses then noticed one gentleman, shoulders propped against the wall observing her parents with a look of complete appreciation on his face.

As Annabella dressed the next morning her mother came into her room.

My dear Lydia enjoyed the ball so much, thank you for supporting her. She is such a delightful girl. Now that she is out of mourning for my sister we shall do all we can to bring her back into society? I am counting on you be good cousin to her.

I will Mama; it will give me an interest to introduce her around. I asked Charles to help squire us about a bit and he is being most obliging.

Her mother smiled brightly, Charles is a dear, are you not a match for each other?

No Mama we are not it seems, but we are the greatest of friends. Is there a man for me such as father is to you?

I’m sure there is child her mother replied, you are young you have plenty of time.

Humph I’m almost considered an old maid by some people Annabella dismissed.

Her mother laughed. Good heavens I did not meet your father until I was above your age, aah will I ever forget the first time I set eyes on him and caught fire.

Oh Mama you are disgraceful her daughter shrieked throwing her arms around her mother hugging her.

That her parents were a love match was well known. Her mother had been, was still a voluptuous beauty with her hourglass figure, chestnut hair and amber coloured eyes. A most desirable and much courted lady.

When Jane had met Simon they had fallen in love at first sight. Her mother now in her early 40’s was a beautiful woman. Her contentment with life radiated about her.

That her parents enjoyed the marital bed she knew, she had heard them often as a younger woman flittering passed their bedroom door.

As a child she had wandered into their room half-awake one night to find them locked in embrace. She had once asked her father why he was in her mother’s bed and he had quietly said where else should I be but beside the love of my life.

Her parents had not been embarrassed so why should she.

Mama, Annabella began, I wonder if I may ask you some questions of an mmm rather delicate nature? Her mother met her eyes unfazed and nodded. How did you and father first aah make love?

There it was out!

Her mother’s eyes seem to glaze over as she began to relate.

"My cousin Beatrice and I had been staying at a house party in Dorset with Sir Richard Chiltern. We knew from the first moment weeks before that we were for each other. Your father was much sought after.

Simon your father was trying to be honourable. He became so proper in my presence and possessively glared down any man who sought my acquaintance that Aunt Bea declared I had him. But I knew that.

What a time that was. We were three young women each set on a particular man. Bea wanted David St Cleeves, Libby wanted Richard Chiltern and I wanted your father.

Your father and Richard Chiltern had conspired to bring us all under the one roof away from the prying eyes of the ton and our parents and it worked. Each gentleman proposed marriage. David and Aunt Bea married in Dorset.

We were travelling back to London in two coaches with Aunt Bea and some servants. Your