An Heir's Farewell (Book 2 of Eddington Series)

Willaimshire Manor, 1855

James Bradford was first born to a duke and therefore was his heir. The first eight years of his life, he hardly saw his father. He was with his mother, Candice, a lot of the time. Since they lived in the country more than in the city, his mother usually visited with their closest neighbor, the Earl of Rydellshire and his wife. Their daughter, Monica, was two years younger than him and the only other child around. Since their mothers were best friends and visited each other every day, they too became friends. Over the years, they got closer and knew much about each other. James was never promised to anyone, but Monica was promised to another Earl’s son. Patrick Groves was a powerful man and Daniel Shellington couldn’t refuse the offer he made. He knew Dale Groves was not a nice boy and already showed signs of bad behavior. He tortured animals and was cruel to the staff. Daniel did not wish for his daughter to marry a boy that would turn into a mean man. Thankfully, almost every time Patrick and Dale came to the manor, Monica was not around. She was with her mother visiting with the Duchess of Willaimshire. He hoped that one day, the future duke, James, would grow feelings for his daughter. They were best friends and he prayed the day the duke and his son would come and ask for her hand. 

James played with Monica every time she came over. When James turned ten, his father began his lessons to take over as the new duke. Monica didn’t miss him much as her mother was teaching her how to be a proper young lady. But when the chance arose, they were always side by side. As they got older and their lessons got more intense, Monica convinced her dad to ask permission to build something on the property edges. John Bradford agreed and plans for an enclosed gazebo began. The pair would spend as much time together as they possibly could. After Monica turned twelve, they saw less and less of each other. She was forced to endure chaperoned trips with Dale. Patrick complained that she was spending too much time with James and refused to lose his son’s bride to a duke’s son. Dale was already mean to her, but she never said a word.

One afternoon after having lunch with Dale, Monica’s brother, Andrew, heard her crying in her room. He rode straight over to tell James. James had comforted her that day at the gazebo and told her she should ask for the engagement to be broken. James had been increasingly worried about Monica after hearing rumors about Dale. Dale was seven years older than Monica and had a full knowledge of a woman’s body. At fourteen, James was no stranger, but never had an experience. He wanted to help Monica and knew how to do that but could never get past what he had to do. Monica was his best friend and would never be anything more. Everyone knew it and her father dreaded it.