A Regrettable Proposal

Author: Jennie Goutet Orphaned at a young age, Eleanor wants nothing more than to settle in a home of her own. Stratford, having met once with betrayal, desires a woman who will be true. When a complicated inheritance forces them together, they little expect this to be the answer to their innermost desires. Eleanor Daventry has come into money, but she cannot access her inheritance without a husband. Steadfast and independent, she would rather become a schoolmistress than take a husband she does not love. Stratford Tunstall has just discovered his predecessor willed the estate’s unentailed land to Miss Daventry. Although cynical regarding love, the man recognizes a practical solution when he sees one. He and Miss Daventry must marry, and Stratford wastes no time in pressing his suit — with disastrous results. In the face of such an insulting proposal, Eleanor flees to London where she lands unwittingly in the home of Stratford’s closest friends. Now thrown together constantly, Eleanor can’t help admiring his masterful apologies, never mind how often he must deliver them. Stratford concedes that, against all his predictions, Eleanor has no shortage of determined suitors. When combined forces threaten Eleanor’s reputation, Stratford realizes it’s more than her land he cares about. Somehow, he’ll have to convince Eleanor that his coming to her rescue is a deed inspired by love.