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

Following a noble wedding, a grand ball served as a social cornerstone, a lavish celebration held within the newlyweds' primary residence. This extravagant affair served a dual purpose – to officially announce the union to family, esteemed guests, and even casual acquaintances, and to solidify the couple's place within the intricate web of high society.

The scale of the ball hinged upon the couple's social standing. In the case of the Marquess of Canterbury, his position was as illustrious as it came. Not only did he hold the esteemed title of Marquess, but he was also the direct descendant of the esteemed Duke of Winchester, placing him in direct line to inherit that prestigious dukedom.

Naturally, a ball hosted by such a figure promised to be a spectacle. Invitations to the Marquess's ball were akin to coveted gold tokens – a chance to mingle with esteemed individuals and potentially forge valuable connections within the upper echelons of society.

Chapter 44 - The Grand Ball At Canterbury House