Chapter 1
London, England
Joseph Morledge stared out his carriage window at the passing London scenery as though seeing it for the first time.
He had spent the last several years investing in projects that some might consider a risky business adventure but thus far, his hunches had paid off and he had amassed a large fortune.
A fortune that had allowed him to purchase his mother’s old manor house.
It was on the outskirts of town but considered in the rolling countryside.
He still had enough to live comfortably until the next allotment rolled in.
Memories flooded his mind making him question if this had, in fact, been a wise decision.
Before he had put in an offer, he had discussed the prospect with his mother, who still resided in a small house in the country, living a simple life.
She had been shocked until he had voiced his reasoning.
The manor would have been his inheritance if his mother hadn’t sold the place.
Given to her by her grandfather as part of her dowry when she married, the manor had nothing but horrifying memories for her.
When his father died after falling down the stairs, she could do nothing else but sell it.
As a boy of only twelve at the time, Joseph could only abide by her decisions.
The haunting memories of what his father had done to his mother caused Joseph to doubt again his reasons for purchasing a house that would only bring his mother pain.
The few memories Joseph had of Captain Sander Morledge were not ones he wished to dwell on.
But as the scenery changed from city to country, the manor house finally came into view.
The carriage slowed, and unwanted visions of the deceased man came rushing back to his mind.
Sander hadn’t been a kind man. He had hidden his wife away on the third floor and pretended she was dead for years while he searched for a new bride, which caused Joseph to wonder if his mother would still be alive if events hadn’t occurred as they had.
His mother never talked about what brought about her leg being amputated, leaving her wheelchair bound, but Joseph had no doubt Sander had been the cause behind it.
And now this… what had he been thinking?
“Are you certain this is a good idea?” his brother Michael asked, breaking into Joseph’s thoughts.
“Whatever Destiny has in store for me has already been put in place, Michael. I’ve bought the place and plan to bring the manor back to life.”
A snort left Michael. “You best bring a priest, then, to exorcise the place. There’s going to be a ghost or two haunting that old house, including the previous owners.”
“The previous couple who owned it didn’t die, Michael. They went bankrupt. There’s a difference,” Joseph replied, with a grunt of annoyance.
“That, in itself, seems like a sign that the place is meant to remain empty and left to rot. You’re going to have to make some major renovations to the place if you hope to convince mother to spend any time here by Christmas,” Michael replied as the carriage door opened and a footman let down the step.
“I think the place is cursed. You might just need a miracle to make this manor habitable again.”
“Along with a few midnight wishes and a whole lot of prayers,” Joseph muttered beneath his breath as he left the carriage and slowly walked toward the front door.
He pulled out the brass key and placed it into the lock.
Turning the key, he heard the click, pulled out the key and turned the knob, opening his past to confront his future.
Michael strode in behind him and made his way toward the back of the house but Joseph stood where he was and gulped back his apprehension of the mistake he had possibly made.
Sunlight hadn’t seen the entry hall in years, or so it seemed as dust bolts danced before his eyes while he gazed at the staircase across the marbled tile.
He walked into the front parlor, inspecting the white-linen-cloth-covered furniture.
Dust covered his leather gloves and he briefly rubbed at the fabric, knowing he’d be covered in white specks as he went through what now belonged to him.
Joseph began wondering if the previous owners had made any changes to the décor.
He would find out soon enough once the servants arrived and began cleaning.
The hearth and chimneys would need to be inspected, as he witnessed a small mouse scurry to hide beneath the half-burned log.
In fact, the carpenters couldn’t arrive soon enough in order to make the changes he had planned for the place.
The first floor was to be the start, but could he honestly have it ready by December?
“Hello? Is anyone here?”
Joseph raised his head at the sound of a female voice coming from the foyer.
He’d know that voice anywhere and, for the first time this morning, a smile crept across his mouth.
He came from around the corner of the parlor to see Miss Charlotte Darby looking very fetching in her riding habit.
She was in the process of taking off her gloves.
“Good morning, Miss Charlotte. May I say how lovely you look today,” Joseph declared, crossing the space between them.
She reached out her hands and took his. Giving them a gentle squeeze, she let go and stepped back with a smile. “Joseph! I thought I recognized your carriage.”
He peered over her shoulder to see his friend Garrett tying the reins of his horse to a hitching post. “I see your brother is with you,” he murmured knowing her reputation would remain intact.
“Of course, you know Garrett. And Michael? Where is he?”
Joseph nodded toward the rear of the house. “In the back, inspecting the rest of the manor. Are you here to see him?”
Something briefly flashed across her blue eyes before she gave a light laugh. “Garrett told me you bought the manor back. Knowing what I do of your history with the place, I would have thought any other house might suit better.”
Joseph shrugged. “It would have been mine if our lives had turned out differently.” Charlotte was well aware of his past, considering the amount of time he had spent with her brother.
Garrett was his best friend, after all. Yet Charlotte had always held a certain place in Joseph’s heart after Sophie Templeton had married her husband.
Not that he blamed Sophie for not returning his affection.
They had been raised together, so he supposed it was only natural Sophie would have thought of him more like a brother than husband material.
Still… he always kept Charlotte at a distance, since she was his best friend’s sister which by an undeclared gentleman code of honor made Joseph feel she should be off limits.
And then there were Michael’s feelings for the lady.
He could never act against his brother’s possible happiness even if it cost Joseph his own.
Her hand came to rest on his arm. “You’re lost in thought, Joseph. Are you sure this was a good idea?” she asked softly.
“Everyone keeps asking me that and it’s the same thing I’m beginning to question.
But the answer remains the same. The deal is done and the manor is once again with my family,” Joseph stated, as he began ushering her from the house.
“I would prefer if you don’t come inside.
I’d rather you see the place once the renovations are complete. ”
“But we came to help, didn’t we, Garrett,” she replied, as they met her brother outside.
“Any way we can,” Garrett said, slapping Joseph on his back.
“And I appreciate your offer but I’ve got this in hand,” Joseph answered, even as a wagon began making its way up the drive. “Besides, won’t you be busy with your charge this summer?”
Charlotte waved her hand in the air. “Lola and her father the Earl of Stanhope are off on an extended holiday together. Father, daughter time I suppose.”
Garrett chuckled. “The earl will have his hands full without Charlotte as the girl’s governess, and only a nanny to help him manage the child for the summer.”
“Lola won’t need lessons in reading and writing or any of the other academic studies I have planned for her upon their return,” Charlotte answered. “So, you see, Joseph. We have more than ample time to help you in any way we can lend assistance.”
“We can discuss this more at a later date. First, I need to access the manor and voice my plans with the workmen for the refurbishment. Garrett, we can talk later about how you might help. Charlotte will need to abide by my wishes.” Joseph watched as Charlotte took on a look that said an argument was forthcoming.
“Really, Joseph, I am not some delicate flower that cannot withstand a bit of hard work. Why, I’ll have you know—”
“Charlotte!” Michael’s voice called from the doorway as he hurried to reach her side. “How wonderful to see you… and Garrett, too.” Michael beamed staring at the young lady who was of the same age.
The adoration his brother felt for Charlotte was more than evident, and Joseph stepped back as he always did.
But he did not miss the brief glance the lady bestowed upon him, causing his heart to flip end over end in his chest. Joseph wasn’t sure if he imagined the whole encounter but he kept the memory in his heart until their paths would cross again.