Betrayed

By Robyn C Rye

A Regency romance with a difference! It is a tale of hardship and love on two continents.

Elizabeth is sure she has found the man of her dreams, but after four months of marriage, her husband becomes obsessed with a beautiful widow. Despite Elizabeth's best efforts, Jonathon becomes so enamoured with the widow that he abandons Elizabeth to live alone at his country estate. After suffering hardship and heartbreak, Elizabeth suffers another blow when Jonathon announces his intention to divorce his wife. The life of a spinster confined to the countryside awaits Elizabeth, but in a brave scheme, she sails for America, hoping to secure a husband.

            Life for Elizabeth changes as she marries struggling widowed rancher Rafe. Even though Elizabeth enters the marriage willingly, the history each carries complicates their first months. Resistance to their marriage comes from others, but Elizabeth and Rafe are determined to make the relationship work.

            When an unexpected visitor arrives, Elizabeth must fight for her marriage or have complications sweep her back into the past.

• Language: English
• Publisher: robyncrye
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223387039

Book preview

Betrayed

Robyn C Rye

Published by robyncrye, 2023.

Copyright © 2024 by Robyn C Rye

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without the publisher’s prior written permission except as permitted by copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or businesses, companies, events, institutions or locales is entirely coincidental.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

BETRAYED

First edition. October 13, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Robyn C Rye.

ISBN: 979-8223387039

Written by Robyn C Rye.

Also by Robyn C Rye

Farnsworth Sisters

Marrying a Rogue

Rescuing Hannah

The Buckingham Sisters

Lady Maggie's Challenge

Layla's Unwanted Husband

The Evans Family

Sometimes Love is not Enough

Still the One

Moving Forward

Standalone

One More Chance

Lady Jayne's Reputation

Third Time's the Charm

Can't Stop Loving You

The Marriage Scam

An Unlikely Match

Searching For You

The Unexpected Suitor

The Lady and the Duke

Starting Over

An Unforgettable Stranger

The Duke's Revenge

The Temporary Wife

Against The Odds

Betrayed

No Good Turn Goes Unpunished

Lady Eloise's Soldier

Lillian's Forbidden Beau

Remember Me

Always Second Best

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Copyright Page

Also By Robyn C Rye

Betrayed

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

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

EPILOGUE

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Also By Robyn C Rye

AUTHOR’S MESSAGE

As a reader, you may wonder why some words seem misspelt, but as an Australian writer, I use the spelling of terms in English rather than the American style. So, NO! I am not a poor speller, and I have used the spell check, but with an Australian slant.

I loved recounting the story of Eloise and Simon and hope you enjoyed the unfolding story of the trials and successes they endured.

If you liked the book and have a minute to spare, I would appreciate a short review on the page or site where you bought the book. Your help in spreading the word is appreciated. Reviews from readers like you make a massive difference in helping new readers find stories like  Betrayed.

CHAPTER 1

Lady Elizabeth smothered a yawn. Who would have thought an evening concert could be so tedious? Blushing debutant after blushing debutant stood next to the piano to either showcase their skill on the pianoforte or their prowess at singing. Unfortunately, the marriage mart mommas considered their less-than-talented offspring brilliant in their chosen field, and the rest of the attendees were obliged to clap politely as each girl finished her rendition. Without a programme to refer to, Lady Elizabeth had no notion of how long these seemingly endless concerts lasted.

As Elizabeth gazed around, she caught the eye of a man who raised his eyebrows and smirked. She smiled back at the stranger, comforted that she wasn’t the only bored person at this event. A jab in the ribs told Elizabeth that her Mother had noticed her lack of attention. Elizabeth sighed inwardly, aware that her Mother would lecture her on her lack of concentration and scold her for her unladylike behaviour. When the warbling, piano-murdering debutants completed their performances, the audience rose and moved from the seating area to the food spread on the tables around the room.

Once her plate was sufficiently full, by her Mother’s standards, Elizabeth moved towards the edge of the dining area, not wishing to give a critique of the performances. She had been caught before by proud Mommas, seeking accolades for their daughter’s performance, and Elizabeth found it difficult to lie convincingly. It was better to fade into the woodwork than stammer through a compliment she didn’t mean.

Rivetting, wasn’t it?

The masculine voice so close to her startled Elizabeth, and as she swung around, her plate tilted precariously.

Woah. I’ve got it.

The man righted her plate and placed it in her hand. When she raised her eyes, she discovered that the man she had made eye contact with during the performance stood beside her.

Ah, it’s you, although I do not know who you are.

Consider me a music-lover like yourself. Is this your first event? I’m sure I’d remember you if we had met before.

Very smooth, sir, but we are to be officially introduced as yet.

Who do you know who could introduce us?

Elizabeth glanced around the room.

As this is my first event, as you guessed, my mother has introduced me to a few ladies, but I fear I don’t remember their names.

Well, it seems we must break protocol and introduce ourselves. I am Jonathon Ellingham at your service, milady.

Elizabeth smiled. I’m pleased to meet you. Are you a Mr Ellingham or a sir or a Lord?

Lord Ellingham, the earl of Hampshire.

Elizabeth dipped a curtsy. I am Elizabeth Ainsworth, the second daughter of Lord Roderique and Lady Beatrice Ainsworth of Essex. And I fear my Mother has noticed our break with protocol and will intervene any moment.

If she drives me away, I will look for you at my next engagement and hope for a formal introduction.

When Lady Ainsworth reached her daughter, she glared at the man beside her. After scrutinising the man, she said, I beg your pardon, but I don’t believe we have had an introduction. You have made yourself known to my daughter, which is highly improper. Who may I ask, are you?

Jonathon bowed over Lady Ainsworth’s hand and introduced himself.

I must ask for your forgiveness, but neither Lady Elizabeth nor I could find a common acquaintance to do the deed, so I threw protocol to the wind. Surely you can’t hold it against me for wanting to talk to such a lovely woman as your daughter?

Lady Ainsworth huffed at Lord Ellingsworth but conceded that the number of people who could furnish the introduction was sparse.

I will excuse you, my Lord, because you are correct that the number of acquaintances is limited.

Splendid. Will you be attending the Richmond ball next week?

Lady Ainsworth nodded. I do believe we have an invitation to that ball.

Could I beg you to take pity on me and save a dance for me, Lady Elizabeth?

Elizabeth smiled at this genial man. I’m sure I can write you in for a dance, my Lord.

Come along, Elizabeth. We must leave before the footmen finish for the night, and we have to find our carriage unaided.

As she suspected, Elizabeth was taken to task by her Mother as soon as the pair settled into the carriage. While Elizabeth could see the sense in being cautious when meeting gentlemen, wasn’t she attending the season to find a husband? Surely no harm could come to her in a room filled with matrons, debutants and their escorts? Not wanting to end the night on a sour note, Elizabeth nodded as her Mother made her points about lady-like behaviours and etiquette.

Once they entered the house, Giles, the butler, said, Lord Ainsworth is waiting for your return in the library, my Lady.

Very well, we would appreciate a pot of tea, but no refreshments as we’ve already eaten.

Pushing open the library door, Elizabeth and her Mother found her Father asleep in an armchair in front of the fire. Lord Ainsworth roused as the ladies entered the room and gave them a sheepish look.

Sorry, I wanted to see how Elizabeth’s first evening went, but I dropped off.

Never mind, dear. I have asked Giles to bring up a pot of tea, and we’ll have that before we retire. I believe Elizabeth enjoyed the evening, but I have had words with her about chatting to gentlemen she hasn’t had an introduction to.

Elizabeth, is that correct?

Elizabeth laughed. Which part? The entertainment this evening was provided by tone-deaf singers and musicians with more thumbs than fingers. It’s amusing to see the mothers of these talentless musicians swell with pride when their offspring is performing. I should be grateful if we don’t have to go to another soiree.

Lord Ainsworth chuckled. I fear I have the same opinion as you, but I’m an old codger who doesn’t have to impress anyone, whereas you have to be on your best behaviour. Tell me about chatting to strange gentlemen.

I met a gentleman during supper. He approached me, and I had seen him during the performance, so I didn’t think there was any harm in chatting with him. We did look for a mutual acquaintance to introduce us officially but couldn’t find anyone, so we introduced ourselves.

Lord Ainsworth frowned. I can see your Mother’s point. Who is the man?

Lord Jonathon Ellingham, the earl of Hampshire.

Do you hope to see this man again?

Yes, Father. He will attend the Richmond ball next week and asked me to write him on my card for a dance.

Her Father nodded. "I will have Benington investigate the man. Anyone who intends to spend time with my