Lu_Shui

[A Regency Era novel, #vengeance #weaktostrong #heiress #loveaftermarriage #noblefamily #dramatic #betrayal]

"Lady Blanchard," the Marquess of Canterbury announced, his voice carrying a hint of surprise as he swept off his cocked hat and handed it to the waiting butler. He then stepped into the drawing room, his eyes immediately falling upon her.
The cup of tea and a plate of pastries on the coffee table suggested that she had been waiting for his arrival for some time.
"What a surprise," he continued, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone. "Do you require anything from me?"
"Indeed, Your Grace," Maggie replied, her voice steady despite the weight of her proposition.
The Marquess's amusement vanished, replaced by a flicker of suspicion. He crossed his arms in a haughty manner, his posture demanding an explanation. "And what might that be?" he inquired, his voice laced with a cool formality.
"I would like to propose," Maggie began, meeting his gaze directly, "a marriage alliance between us."

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Upon her father's untimely demise, Lady Marguerite “Maggie” Delaney Antoine Blanchard was betrayed by the man he loved, Nicholas Cunningham, and the only other relative she trusted, Nicholas' father, Lloyd Cunningham.
She found much-needed support in the Marquess of Canterbury, Percival Clement Duane Locksworth, whom she did not care for due to the unfortunate nature of their first meeting, but who turned out to be the lifeline she needed to exact his revenge and regain the Countess of Huntington title.
When Maggie offered the Marquess a beneficial deal in exchange for his hand in marriage, would the not-so-charming gentleman say yes?
And if he did, would Maggie be able to win the claim for the Earldom of Huntington and retain it within the Blanchard family's ownership? Or would she crumble under the storm of the Marquess's gaze, his presence a churning sea threatening to engulf her whole?

Marguerite's Pledge for Redemption

For all it was worth, Percival "Percy" Clement Duane Locksworth had never been at the receiving end of a marriage proposal before.

Most noble ladies simply did not just walk up to him and ask for his hand in marriage.

There was a first to every occasion, and here he was, sitting in his drawing room while a lady called upon him.

Percy* was rendered speechless for a while before he regained his composure and spoke.

And then, Maggie made it sound worse.

"Not for forever!" She cried out, as if the mere idea was unthinkable.

Percy's face darkened in distaste.

And Maggie mistook it as dissatisfaction for her lacking proposal. Squeezing her fists against her knees in an attempt to calm the raging storm in her heart, she then continued, "We can discuss the length and the terms, Your Grace. I am willing to accept any condition within my capability."

Percy's immediate scoff brought her to silence.

Chapter 27 : Heavy Consequences