Book Series: Stand Alone Title
Publishing Date: 2016
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Historical Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited: Thomas and Ruth
Chapter Count: 15
Page Count: 288
Point of View: Third Person Limited: Thomas and Ruth
Chapter Count: 15
Page Count: 288
Chapter 1 Seeking Purpose
Hampshire, England - 1808
Meet Thomas Quincy Fitzbatten, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The only son and heir of the most wonderful, kind, loving parents any single child could ask for. They even treat their servants as equals, not an ounce of pride to be found in this aristocratic family. Thomas took a commission in the army and served for five years in the Napoleonic wars before a very minor chest wound got him discharged. Now he's home and all the staff and servants are very happy to see him.
His parents are off on holiday, not expected back for at least a month. Thomas didn't tell them he was coming. So much for his big surprise.
Restless, bored, pestering the servants to give him work (because that's just how this family is) while they shoo him away, one very prominent servant, Dawson, admits there IS a problem the young master could help him out with, it it's not too much trouble. His favorite niece just arrived this morning, very unexpectedly-unwed, pregnant, destitute. No one else in the household knows she's here. Yet. If the staff starts to talk, it could ruin Thomas and his family's squeaky clean reputation. Thomas rubs his hands in glee. Project! Aiding this poor young woman would be his genuine pleasure.
Thomas sends for a carriage to take the young woman into Hampshire where further arrangements will be made. He decides to ride along, making up an excuse about visiting the pub tonight which the staff knows he enjoys doing. This will assure any gossip is nipped in the bud and Uncle Dawson's secret will be safe.
The nineteen or twenty year old girl is named Ruth Dawson. In the dim light of the carriage, her melodic voice and upper class accent make it obvious she is no Tess of the D'Urbervilles. She just has a weakness for tall, dark handsome men, men who look eerily like HIM. She thought the jerk loved her and had honorable intentions. The fault is entirely hers and Ruth is ready to accept responsibility for her actions that led to the unfortunate situation she now finds herself in. Her dark eyes fill with tears as she mourns for this unborn child who deserves both a mother and father yet to give it away will surely break her heart. Whatever she ends up doing, the baby's needs come first.
Thomas can't help but be impressed.
Chapter 2 Arranged and Convenient
At the Inn, Ruth is checked into a comfortable room and Thomas has food sent up, joining her while she eats. To the surprise of both, conversation is amiable as they discover they enjoy each other's company. Ruth finds Thomas easy to talk to as she reveals more details about how she came to be with child. She was working in service in a fine house, got acquainted with one of the male workers. Too late, she found he lacked commitment before he quit his job and left-rumors about having another woman. Again, Ruth despairs of being able to keep her baby. Thomas promises to do what he can to help her. He leaves and Ruth sleeps well for the first time in weeks.
Back at the Manor, Thomas wakes Uncle Dawson to inform him of his intentions to MARRY this good niece of his. His mind is made up and why not? He's lonely. Brownlie needs an heir. It's about time he settled down anyway.
Uncle is astonished at such a rash decision that will forever change his life. Seeing Thomas is determined, being familiar with his character, having known him all his life and the similar character of his niece, gives his blessing. They might make a good match, even if Thomas is marrying way WAY down.
Next morning, they return to the Inn to spring the news on Ruth. At first she is adamant, declaring Thomas mad. Why would he ever choose a woman taken in sin, a woman like herself, to marry? Thomas declares nobody is condemning her, as far as he's concerned from this time forth, she is a pure and virtuous woman. The child will be born within the bonds of matrimony; mom and baby will never want for anything. Uncle vouches for Thomas. He is a good and honorable man. What else can Ruth do but accept?
Chapter 3 The Cottage
They are married by the Vicar in town that very day. Thomas is quite the romantic, presenting Ruth with a lovely bouquet of flowers to hold during the ceremony. He tucks one into her brown hair, which she always wears in a large plaited coil on the back of her head, following the fashion of the day.
Thomas has decided to take her to his family's cottage by the sea. The Manor staff back in Hampshire have already been told another fabricated story-Thomas has gone to fetch his wife, he got married three years ago while on leave. He didn't want to say anything until he could tell his parents personally. Now when he brings her back, no one will be surprised by her pregnancy.
The cottage is kept by a young newlywed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Barclay, already expecting their first child. The mother-in-law also lives here. Her health is not good. She will most likely follow her beloved husband, leaving her son to carry on the family tradition of caring for the Fitzbatten cottage.
The cottage is kept by a young newlywed couple, Mr. and Mrs. Barclay, already expecting their first child. The mother-in-law also lives here. Her health is not good. She will most likely follow her beloved husband, leaving her son to carry on the family tradition of caring for the Fitzbatten cottage.
Chapter 4 Together
Ruth and Thomas spend the next several days getting to know each other better. Because the family hasn't used the cottage in years, Ruth and Thomas roll up their sleeves and join in the work, happy to give the young wife a break as she is great with child. Everyone is constantly thanking and praising each other. Ruth and Thomas share the bed in their room to avoid talk but agree the time is not right for them to consummate the relationship. While Thomas admits he looks forward to this part of being married, he'll not force himself on her. Ruth is grateful. Thomas is constantly serving her, offering her food from the kitchen and holding her whenever she gets weepy with pregnancy hormones. He takes her into the village to buy her all new things. They attend church and take walks in the rain.
Thomas' favorite part of his new married life is watching, discreetly from the bed while he pretends to read, his lovely wife take down her hair every evening to brush and rebraid it. Ruth is oblivious to this, too caught up living this fantastic dream. Loving your choice was never so easy.
Chapter 5 The Wrong Order
Mother-in-law passes away. Ruth takes it hard and Thomas holds her while she cries. Thomas makes coffee for everyone, because he's the perfect man. All sit around and share their feelings.
Then, the new wife goes into labor. Ruth helps her deliver the baby. It's a boy!
Ruth is one of six children, all boys and she's the only girl. Some are older, some younger. Some are married, some still living at home working the farm or in the local mines. Their father was killed years ago in a mining accident. While he was cold, aloof and not very affectionate, Ruth always knew he loved them. Her mother was also cold and aloof. When she heard about Ruth's misfortune, she didn't hesitate kicking her daughter out of her house for doing it all in the wrong order.
Thomas agrees. Mom was absolutely right, they did do everything in the wrong order such as meeting and marrying while skipping the dating and courting. He will rectify that right now. From this moment on, he's going to start courting her. Ruth can't believe how blessed she is. For about the 50th time.
Chapter 6 Courting
For their first official "date" Thomas takes her horseback riding. Ruth exclaims over the spectacular beauty of the Fitzbatten land. Thomas tells her wait till she sees the family estate back home. They kiss and declare themselves madly in love with each other.
Back at the cottage, a letter has arrived. Thomas' parents are back. Learning their son took a wife and being anxious to see him anyway after five years absence, they are already on the road and on their way here for a spontaneous visit. Sincerely, Lord and Lady Arrington. Ruth looks at Thomas in puzzlement. Arrington? The family title, he explains.
Chapter 7 On Butterfly Wings
In an effort to make her story more interesting, the author keeps inserting this weak motif of a lucky butterfly with blue wings into her narrative. The gardeners back at Brownlie manor pointed it out to Thomas (in Chapter 1 before he met Ruth) while he was helping them weed. Now, Ruth, also weeding outside the cottage, has found one. She too believes it's a sign of good fortune coming. Thomas takes her in his arms, declaring he's already the richest man alive-because he has her. Ruth swoons and they kiss.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzbatten arrive. All six adults spend many pages praising each other and sharing their joy over the new baby and new marriages. Thomas and Ruth have a story all ready regarding how and where they met and fell in love. It comes as no surprise to the parents when they announce they're expecting.
Later, both young adults feel guilty for lying. They agree to come clean and will confess tomorrow.
Chapter 8 Secrets
That night, cuddling in bed together, Ruth admits she has something to tell him. Remember that night when they first met?
How could Thomas forget it?
Remember how apprehensive she was at first sight of him? Well, it was because the jerk who knocked her up was not merely similar in appearance to Thomas but, looked EXACTLY like him! It was the most ironic thing she's ever experienced in her life. Thomas just shrugs it off. We all have a doppelgänger out there somewhere. He then holds and comforts her for two hours. Sobbing and groaning, Thomas coaxes the story out of Ruth that she did NOT lie with the father of her child willingly. He again assures her none of this was her fault. He still loves her and everything is going to be all right from now on.
How could Thomas forget it?
Remember how apprehensive she was at first sight of him? Well, it was because the jerk who knocked her up was not merely similar in appearance to Thomas but, looked EXACTLY like him! It was the most ironic thing she's ever experienced in her life. Thomas just shrugs it off. We all have a doppelgänger out there somewhere. He then holds and comforts her for two hours. Sobbing and groaning, Thomas coaxes the story out of Ruth that she did NOT lie with the father of her child willingly. He again assures her none of this was her fault. He still loves her and everything is going to be all right from now on.
Thomas has a secret too, but not nearly as dramatic as Ruth's. He knew a man in the (don't ask, don't tell) army who was "a little different" and all the men bullied him about it. All the way to suicide. Thomas still has nightmares about finding the dead body of his friend.
Chapter 9 Return to Brownlie Manor
They sit Thomas' parents down and confess. They take it well. In fact they aren't surprised as they know their son well enough to know when he's lying, he's never been very good at it (this is important later when everyone conveniently forgets this). So, the fact Ruth was taken advantage of and their son stepped in to save her makes them even more proud of their only son. The baby will inherit and never be treated any differently from the other future grandchildren which they fully expect Thomas and Ruth to get busy making!
Ruth and Thomas return to Brownlie after the christening of their friends' new baby. The entire staff welcomes them home and are especially excited to meet their new mistress who is every bit as gracious and kind as the family she married into. Nobody can find fault with anything. The large home is always in perfect order, exquisite meals served everyday, the grounds always looking their best and the master bedroom awaits. Ruth feels she is truly living a fairy tale.
Chapter 10 The Right Thing
Pampered life is bliss for the happy couple. Since Ruth used to work in service herself, she often jumps in to help with daily chores, just like Thomas' mother would often do. All the maids and housekeepers think the world of Ruth for continuing this household custom and find nothing awkward about it at all. They absolutely adore Ruth because she truly understands their lives. (Has the author never watched even a single episode of Downton Abbey?)
Thomas' parents return from their extended stay at the cottage and everyone can't stop talking about how wonderful life is and how blessed they all are.
Amidst all this sunshine and happiness, Ruth wishes her mother would write her back, just once. She's been writing her family faithfully every week since she got married but nobody on her side of the family seems to care. Thomas declares they should take a trip and visit them all. Find out for themselves the reason for this silent treatment.
Ruth's mother isn't exactly overjoyed to see them at her door, but she doesn't slam it in their faces either. Interesting to note, after Thomas slips her some money, she softens up considerably! They visit Ruth's married brothers who welcome her warmly. When Ruth's mother observes this, she becomes more open and affectionate. They all attend church. Everyone is happy for their sister who obviously married well.
Chapter 11 Lured Away
Ruth's baby is born. It's a girl! They name her Joy, despite Christmas still being about two months away. The christening takes place in the spring and all the subjects of the realm area are invited to attend where a good time is had by all.
Then, one day, a disturbing message arrives in the post. Thomas' very dear friend with whom he served in the war, Teddy, claims to be in trouble but can't explain in words. He begs Thomas to meet him in London.
Thomas leaves immediately where the Inn he stays at mysteriously catches fire and he is nearly run over in the street by a carriage. While lying in bed awake one night, stewing over why, after all his inquires and searching, he can't find any trace of his friend, a dark form enters his room, points a pistol and tries to assassinate him in his bed. Thomas rolls away just in time.
The innkeeper appears at the door, demanding to know what's going on. Thomas knows he has to leave. This was all a set-up. He's riding his horse on a dark, deserted road, miles outside the city when he realizes he's being followed. Someone takes aim, fires, and for Thomas the world goes dark.
Chapter 12 The Imposter (or, Thanks for the spoiler, Anita!)
Could it be any more obvious who is behind all this? We are back at the manor the next morning and Ruth has just been informed her husband is home. Ecstatic, she enters the study to greet him only to stop dead in her tracks. The man going through the papers in the desk might look, act and even sound like Thomas, but, in all the months they've been married, HER Thomas never called her "sweetheart" with an evil look in his eye. His open shirt reveals no chest wound. This man is not Thomas and it doesn't take Ruth long to place him as he also recognized her when she entered the room.
This man's name is Lucius Malfoy who launches into a monologue about how he discovered the remarkable resemblance he bore to a very wealthy man who'd served in the army. He paid a couple of men to take care of him, intending to take his place. He already fooled Thomas' parents, but he had no idea about Ruth who will play along or ELSE! Ruth turns and flees the room to sob in solitude. She is trapped.
The baby is fine. Lucius hasn't put two and two together yet. Dinner is normal and Ruth must act like everything is perfectly normal as well or the people she loves will get hurt. Like the reader, Ruth can't believe nobody else in this house has figured out something's wrong with Thomas. Her father-in-law is happily making arrangements to have the entire financial management of the estate transferred to Thomas. Mother-in-law has been troubled by worsening health and bad dreams every night about the day she gave birth to Thomas. She mostly keeps to her room and so does Ruth. Anything to avoid this monster who has single-handedly taken over the manor. Even her Uncle, who serves as butler, along with the other servants, suspect nothing.
Thomas comes to. (No one put him in an iron mask) A moody Gamekeeper and his equally moody wife found him dying on the side of the road and took him in. Now that Thomas is feeling better, he's anxious to get home and leaves without bothering to learn the names of his benefactors.
When he reaches Fitzbatten land, he decides to wait until dark to sneak into the house. He finds Ruth first and boy is she glad to see him!
Chapter 13 The Other Mother
Thomas and Ruth fall into each other's arms before catching each other up on everything that's happened. They repeat to each other everything the reader already knows (You're supposed to SHOW not tell, Anita! Creative Writing 101, rule #1.)
Ruth cannot fathom how these two identical men are not related. Lucius has to be Thomas's identical twin brother, there's no other explanation. Thomas is adamant, his parents did NOT lie to them. He has and always will be an only child. No way a woman could birth twins and not know.
Actually she could, Ruth corrects him. She launches into an account of how she was visiting his mother in her room where she lay sick and got her talking about the day Thomas was born. His mother claims she was given drugs or herbs for her labor pains which knocked her out until the following day when she woke up holding a tiny baby boy. It was common for fathers to be kept away from all the drama, so Thomas' father would've had no idea. Ruth suspects the doctor and his female assistant must have been paid off to kidnap the second baby and sell it to the highest bidder.
In order to verify the story, they need to question the woman who received the child and Ruth just happens to know where she lives because from what Lucius told her about his own childhood while they were dating, it all makes sense. He always knew he was adopted. His father treated him very badly while his mother was too timid to interfere. As a result, Lucius grew up to be a misogynist with no respect for anyone, entitled to all the handouts he felt the world owed him. Thomas leaves immediately to visit this "other mother."
Her name is Abigail. That low-life, good for nothing husband died years ago and she's GLAD. She repeats everything Ruth already told us, adding her adopted son broke her heart, growing up to be such a menace to society. Thomas insists she come with him, permanently, to Brownlie manor where she is welcome to stay for always. Abigail accepts. She will pack tonight and Thomas will return in the morning to fetch her.
But the assassin from London is waiting in the small shack, holding Abigail hostage when Thomas enters. Lucky for Thomas he had the foresight to bring along a few local policemen for backup, just in case. They shoot the man, Albert, an old war buddy whom Thomas once considered to be a good and trusted friend. Not anymore! Before he died, Albert confessed he was in league with Lucius to track down Thomas and kill him for his wealth. Too bad he didn't succeed.
Abigail is now very anxious to leave this place, permanently. Thomas helps her load up and they leave.
Chapter 14 Mirror Image
Thomas is very thorough. He not only brought two policemen, along with Abigail, to back himself up and prove his identity, he has legal papers to help resolve this confusing issue of inheritance between two birthright sons. After Thomas sneaks into Dawson's office, alone, to reveal the entire scheme, listing several examples proving he's the REAL Thomas, Dawson believes him.
Uncle Dawson fetches Thomas' father, who can hardly believe he has TWO sons and was tricked all these years. He agrees to help Thomas in his foolproof plan. He will join the family for dinner, acting as if nothing is wrong. He also takes Ruth aside and tells her what just happened. (it takes considerable effort for her to hold in her feelings) Later, after they've retired to the parlor for coffee and drinks, Thomas will burst in with his party to apprehend this heartless fiend.
It's pretty obvious this plan to reveal the impostor and see justice done will be pulled off with no complications.
It works. Lucius stares in disbelief as Thomas strips away his identity, reclaiming it for himself in the presence of all these witnesses. Lucius has no choice, really, but to give himself up and go with these officers. Thomas shows there's no hard feelings as he produces the papers stating half of Brownlie estate is now his. If he won't give up this ridiculous charade, Thomas won't be dividing his inheritance equally with his long lost twin brother! All Lucius has to do is go peacefully with these nice officers, to the bank, and he can claim all the money before leaving England, never to return.
But Lucius won't give up that easily. He draws a pistol and points it at Thomas. Ruth screams but an officer fires first and Lucius falls, dead before he hits the floor.
It's all over.
Chapter 15 Truth
Thomas' mom knew, all this time, deep down in her heart, that she always had two sons. She is in shock and grief for the lost son she never got to know, but she'll get over it.
Ruth is relieved Lucius never once questioned Joy's paternity which means she is truly their daughter now, with true blue Fitzbatten blood. No one will ever need to know.
Abigail has already been accepted into the family without any trouble. A funeral service will be held for Lucius and everyone will do their best to mourn his passing like the good Christians they are, but secretly they are all celebrating!
Epilogue
It's a family picnic and the gang's all here, including Mr. and Mrs. Barclay from the cottage who brought their young son,Warren, who squeals in laughter with Joy, his new favorite playmate. Thomas chases his eighteen month old namesake, Thomas III. Abigail and Thomas' mother, Ruth and Mrs. Barclay, have all become the best and very dearest of friends and...look! A blue-winged butterfly flits by, signaling this must be
THE END
Ruth cannot fathom how these two identical men are not related. Lucius has to be Thomas's identical twin brother, there's no other explanation. Thomas is adamant, his parents did NOT lie to them. He has and always will be an only child. No way a woman could birth twins and not know.
Actually she could, Ruth corrects him. She launches into an account of how she was visiting his mother in her room where she lay sick and got her talking about the day Thomas was born. His mother claims she was given drugs or herbs for her labor pains which knocked her out until the following day when she woke up holding a tiny baby boy. It was common for fathers to be kept away from all the drama, so Thomas' father would've had no idea. Ruth suspects the doctor and his female assistant must have been paid off to kidnap the second baby and sell it to the highest bidder.
In order to verify the story, they need to question the woman who received the child and Ruth just happens to know where she lives because from what Lucius told her about his own childhood while they were dating, it all makes sense. He always knew he was adopted. His father treated him very badly while his mother was too timid to interfere. As a result, Lucius grew up to be a misogynist with no respect for anyone, entitled to all the handouts he felt the world owed him. Thomas leaves immediately to visit this "other mother."
Her name is Abigail. That low-life, good for nothing husband died years ago and she's GLAD. She repeats everything Ruth already told us, adding her adopted son broke her heart, growing up to be such a menace to society. Thomas insists she come with him, permanently, to Brownlie manor where she is welcome to stay for always. Abigail accepts. She will pack tonight and Thomas will return in the morning to fetch her.
But the assassin from London is waiting in the small shack, holding Abigail hostage when Thomas enters. Lucky for Thomas he had the foresight to bring along a few local policemen for backup, just in case. They shoot the man, Albert, an old war buddy whom Thomas once considered to be a good and trusted friend. Not anymore! Before he died, Albert confessed he was in league with Lucius to track down Thomas and kill him for his wealth. Too bad he didn't succeed.
Abigail is now very anxious to leave this place, permanently. Thomas helps her load up and they leave.
Chapter 14 Mirror Image
Thomas is very thorough. He not only brought two policemen, along with Abigail, to back himself up and prove his identity, he has legal papers to help resolve this confusing issue of inheritance between two birthright sons. After Thomas sneaks into Dawson's office, alone, to reveal the entire scheme, listing several examples proving he's the REAL Thomas, Dawson believes him.
Uncle Dawson fetches Thomas' father, who can hardly believe he has TWO sons and was tricked all these years. He agrees to help Thomas in his foolproof plan. He will join the family for dinner, acting as if nothing is wrong. He also takes Ruth aside and tells her what just happened. (it takes considerable effort for her to hold in her feelings) Later, after they've retired to the parlor for coffee and drinks, Thomas will burst in with his party to apprehend this heartless fiend.
It's pretty obvious this plan to reveal the impostor and see justice done will be pulled off with no complications.
It works. Lucius stares in disbelief as Thomas strips away his identity, reclaiming it for himself in the presence of all these witnesses. Lucius has no choice, really, but to give himself up and go with these officers. Thomas shows there's no hard feelings as he produces the papers stating half of Brownlie estate is now his. If he won't give up this ridiculous charade, Thomas won't be dividing his inheritance equally with his long lost twin brother! All Lucius has to do is go peacefully with these nice officers, to the bank, and he can claim all the money before leaving England, never to return.
But Lucius won't give up that easily. He draws a pistol and points it at Thomas. Ruth screams but an officer fires first and Lucius falls, dead before he hits the floor.
It's all over.
Chapter 15 Truth
Thomas' mom knew, all this time, deep down in her heart, that she always had two sons. She is in shock and grief for the lost son she never got to know, but she'll get over it.
Ruth is relieved Lucius never once questioned Joy's paternity which means she is truly their daughter now, with true blue Fitzbatten blood. No one will ever need to know.
Abigail has already been accepted into the family without any trouble. A funeral service will be held for Lucius and everyone will do their best to mourn his passing like the good Christians they are, but secretly they are all celebrating!
Epilogue
It's a family picnic and the gang's all here, including Mr. and Mrs. Barclay from the cottage who brought their young son,Warren, who squeals in laughter with Joy, his new favorite playmate. Thomas chases his eighteen month old namesake, Thomas III. Abigail and Thomas' mother, Ruth and Mrs. Barclay, have all become the best and very dearest of friends and...look! A blue-winged butterfly flits by, signaling this must be
THE END
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