The Southern Belle Fallen: The Southern Belle Series, #1

By K.T. Marley

Miranda is a quaint southern belle recently betrothed to the most powerful man in the south. Hubert Hall, The Governor of Mississippi was considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the region, but in the privacy of his home his true colors are revealed. What started as a real life fantasy turns out to be a world of pain and horror as Miranda suffers the cruelty of her husband. The new bride realizes the Governor's penchant for violence might soon leave her dead or confined to a world of pain and suffering. Only the house staff is aware of Miranda's plight, with her kind heart leading them to sympathize with the tortured woman. When she cannot take anymore, she receives help from the least likely of sources, and enters a terrible world so unlike her own. A world full of fear, hiding and consistent running. Only time will tell if the fallen belle of the south will make good her escape from the clutches of the evil man she once loved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.T. Marley
• Release date: Jul 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201524371

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Everything felt brighter on this glorious day. Miranda Basset, soon to be Mrs. Miranda Hall, studied her reflection in the mirror and carefully caressed away potential creases on her wedding gown. Of course, there was really nothing to worry about. The gown looked stunning on her, and her mother said she was the most beautiful bride the south had ever seen. Helen, her maid since she was five, fussed over her – recapturing any runaway strands of hair that left the silky bow on her head and straightening her veil for the hundredth time that day. It seemed to Miranda that the demure old woman was more nervous about the big day than she was. Laughing, she playfully slapped away the servant’s hands as she attempted to reach for her veil yet again. If you don’t stop meddling with my head, Helen, I dare say it might just fall off before I can walk down the aisle. The veil is fine. Smiling at the half-hearted protests that followed, Miranda turned back to the mirror, replaying the events that led to this celebrated union in her head. 

Hubert Hall was the new governor of Mississippi, but he had been a highly influential man even before taking up this post. At the age of 35, he had taken over the family business when his father passed away, leaving the plantation in his name. His family was one of the wealthiest land owners in the region, and Hubert’s shrewd eye for business had made them even more prosperous. In just three years, the Hall plantation became the biggest producer of cotton in Vicksburg. Hubert played a significant role in developing the town, becoming a major investor for many settlement businesses in that area. In just five years, the town was known to be under the control of the Halls. However, he never used his influence to infringe on his fellow man's rights, and all who knew him viewed him as a polite and respectful individual. 

It had always been a wonder why Hubert had not taken a wife. He was a tall, dashing man with sleek auburn hair and a handsome face. Girls swooned over him at every public function,n and more than one set of parents had invited him for supper with the aim of introducing their daughters. Hubert was always polite and never declined these invitations, but nothing ever came of them. He would dine with his hosts, participate in the conversation, and portray genuine gratitude upon his departure. No questions regarding the hand of the maidens ever arose afterward, and any interest shown in these women was purely platonic. Rumors around the township claimed that he was looking to join forces with a family just as powerful as his own – something nonexistent in this locality as the riches of the Hall family towered far above any other. Some said he was planning to travel to nearby settlements in search of his perfect match.  No proof ever accompanied these allegations, despite the consistent investigations undertaken by the nosier women of the county. 

His interest in Miranda had caused an uproar within the community when the most eligible bachelor in the south made his intentions clear. Numerous people voiced their surprise when they heard of the development. Granted, Miranda was a beautiful woman with an upstanding background, and it was often stated that any man would be lucky to claim her as his wife. She was the daughter of the Mayor and came from a respected family with firm roots in the south. Hubert nonetheless seemed too big of a catch for a family whose financial standing in society was mediocre at best. She had entertained several suitors before the governor’s arrival, but none of the hopeful aspirants represented even half the value of Hubert Hall. When her parents heard of his interest, they were overtaken with joy, and Miranda’s mother was seen beaming with pride as she walked down the streets of the settlement. Her father never bragged about the engagement in public, but his obvious contentment could be seen in the smile he proffered to anyone who congratulated him on the coming nuptials. 

Miranda had accidentally bumped into Hubert while shopping for some suitable yarn for her mother. The governor was strolling down the street with his overseer on his way to see the local lumberjack for some wood. As usual, he ignored the commotion that almost always came with his township appearances and would not have noticed the young girl were it not for the overzealous shop owner trying to get his attention. The trader was intent on convincing Hubert of the need for his wares, and Miranda happened to be walking out of the store with her balls of yarn neatly packed in a basket. Of course, she had heard of the governor but had never really gotten the opportunity to see him up close. When Talbot, the store owner, was escorting her out of his premises and suddenly started calling out – she looked up just in time to lock eyes with what she thought was the most handsome man she had ever seen. 

Hubert had immediately heard the cries of the shopkeeper as soon as he called out. It was difficult not to with the volume Talbot was using. Gritting his teeth, he focused on maintaining the conversation he was having with his overseer in the hope that the man would give up his attempts for recognition. However, Talbot was nothing if not a shrewd businessman, and he was not about to let the wealthiest man in town pass by without trying to make a sale. Governor Hall! I say, Governor Hall! yelled the plump man excitedly. I’ve got some delightful buckles in here that I would be remiss not to show you. The store owner waved his hands as he talked, almost knocking Miranda’s basket to the ground. Governor Hall! he yelled more insistently. Hubert could not ignore the man without appearing rude, so sighing inwardly, he put on a charming smile and turned to face the astute trader. However, that smile soon became a genuine portrayal of his feelings when he noticed the delicate maiden at the merchant’s side. She was looking towards him, confusion rout on her face as she tried to prevent the contents of her basket from spilling over.  

Sparks seemed to fly as Miranda and Hubert locked eyes from their positions. The governor had intended to give a brief excuse to the chasing salesman before heading on, but this intention quickly changed when his gaze landed on Miranda’s flushed face.