Heiress of Somerville: Somerville

By Chris Daniel

ENGLAND, 1780s

 

Rebecca Miller's idyllic childhood ends abruptly. Death, inheritance and a sudden, startling betrothal transform her future. Brought up to be independent, she is thrust into a world where she has no say in what may befall her.

What can be the secret of the bankrupt Somerville estate? Why does the Earl of Marshwood, a rich, ageing rake, want to marry her in such a rush?

 

'Heiress of Somerville' introduces the feisty, active girl who will grow into the determined, daring young woman she is to become.

 

Rebecca would have gone to sea with her father but at 14 her aunty feels it's better she stays - Rebecca now part of her aunt's family since the death of her own mother when she was little. And her aunty's shock announcement that she's expecting a baby is further reason to stay.

But one night tragedy occurs and once more Rebecca's life changes. Brought up by a radical uncle who believes girls have just as much right to learning as boys, she is an unusual young woman in this age.

Another shock awaits: Rebecca's father is heir to the bankrupt Somerville estate. But fearing for his children's future in a society where his radical views create suspicion, her uncle takes them to the new United States where 'free men may be free', leaving Rebecca in the care of a local worthy to await her father's return.

Life changes again. Then the news arrives that her father has died at sea, and Rebecca inherits. And an estate - even a bankrupt one - makes her highly eligible for marriage. News of the Somerville heiress alerts none other than the Earl of Marshwood, a wealthy rake three times her age. Why is this cold, arrogant man in such an obsessed rush to marry a penniless orphan?

Then her betrothed casually mentions she's the winnings of a bet. How can that be? Whatever might be the appeal of the Somerville estate for a man such as Marshwood?

Rebecca faces a hopeless and terrifying future. Somehow and from somewhere she must garner the resolve and means to fight her fate and become the woman she is determined to become.

 

This is a prequel to the Somerville Trilogy, which tells the rest of Rebecca's story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Daniel
• Release date: Aug 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215744000

Book preview

Rebecca

Aunt Betsy placed a hand on my arm. It was a gesture of understanding and meant to reassure me.

It's far better that you stay here this time, Rebecca, she murmured as I stared along the track which had taken my father's box-cart out of sight.

Inside I was a tumult of emotions, none of which I could make sense of. I was long accustomed to waving goodbye to my father as his living obliged him to wander off to sea, as surgeon on one of His Majesty's ships. His interest in natural sciences had led him to study the flora and fauna of all those spectacular foreign places at which he made landfall, so he had become a valuable part of such missions in addition to his caring responsibilities. My mother had died when I was four years old, so I had been part of my Aunt Betsy's family since then.

Quite happily so, I may add. Although I was now fourteen and almost a grown woman I'd felt no especial drive to leave my home and my cousins, Sophie, who was my age, and Matthew, a couple of years older. But this time my father had suggested that perhaps I might like to go with him on his voyage to aid him when collecting his specimens, and the idea had excited me despite my anxiety at what I might face.

My aunt had been firm, however.

Thomas, she'd admonished my father gently, I do not believe a ship – even one of His Majesty's – be a suitable place for a fourteen year old girl. She still has much to learn with us, you know...

My father had smiled and nodded agreement. Probably you are right, Betsy...

"Oh? What about me? Doesn't anyone care what I think?" I was not being precocious; we children had long been encouraged to discuss with our elders – on certain matters, at least.

Of course. But we must also consider what is best for you. Certainly in a few years, should you wish to cast your years away wandering about on the high seas, at risk from any and every -

Betsy, stop giving the girl entirely the wrong impression! Sailing the seas is a wonderful adventure.

Aunt Betsy smiled doubtfully. I frowned. You see, Aunty? In that case, why can't I - ?

Aunt Betsy reached over to clasp my hand. Because I need you here, she said gently. Rebecca, I didn't want to tell you this until I was fairly sure...

I was instantly alarmed. I knew my aunt had been unwell for a while. Are you ill?

She shook her head, chuckling. Ill? No, not really. I'm expecting... I'm going to have a child, Rebecca. Another child. A laugh rumbled from her. At my age. And to our huge surprise!

My father sprung from his chair, took her hands in his and hugged her. I sat speechless. That accounted for those odd moments of sickness, of the need to take a rest when my aunt had always seemed utterly tireless.

Does John know?

My Uncle John was at work with my cousin Matthew, who was gradually being taught the trade in case he might need it one day. There were hopes within the family that all three of us were going on towards better things with all the learning we'd been doing. Now there were just my father, my aunt and myself indoors; Sophie was in the garden with the dog.

Of course he does. He was as surprised as I was.

That's wonderful, Betsy. I hope and pray that all goes well. Now you see, Reb... I can't in all good conscience allow you to accompany me. Not this time. Your aunty will need you.

I was sitting there with my mouth open, I believe. Young women had babies, not women as old as my aunt. I did not know how old she was exactly, but her time for having babies should be past.

Well... I murmured, not knowing what to say. Or indeed how I felt.

My aunt had taken my hand again. It's a surprise, isn't it. I must tell your cousins today myself. A new brother or sister...

Yes. Yes... I could scarcely believe it, it was almost a miracle. And I recognised that Sophie and I would need to do more to help, especially when the baby arrived. It was exciting, but troubling at the same time. It was like having a baby myself. I'll... I'll help. I...

So there I stood on the rutted track which led up from the long-closed mill watching my father disappear, a muddle of emotions within.

Come now. My aunt took my hand briskly, turning me back towards the row of low cottages one of which was our home, known as Stony Brook, across the lane from the brook itself which tumbled down towards the river where the ruins of the mill still stood. I think you should indulge in a little sword-work, don't you?

I grinned sheepishly at my aunt. She knew an activity with plenty of movement would help my mood, where working on the vegetable patch or kneading a loaf or feeding the animals would merely serve to