Chapter One1882, Suffolk, England
Elizabeth Fitzhugh’s jangled nerves twisted into a frenzy as the carriage approached Woodhaven Downs, the Earl of Chisenham’s main estate. After several hours of jouncing over winter-rutted roads, she should be thrilled to reach her destination, but the circumstances ensured her stomach grew more disturbed rather than less as they stopped outside the front door.
She sat back, adjusted the small ”travel” bustle on her dress to the side again, and sucked in a pair of deep breaths, stiffening her spine and hoping it steadied her nerves as well. When the footman opened the carriage door, she accepted his assistance in alighting.
The graceful dignity she attempted almost collapsed when the earl himself emerged from the manor.
Richard Moreton, the Earl of Ch
