The English Proposal: Christian Victorian Era Historical (Window to the Heart Saga Trilogy Book 1)

by Jenna Brandt

  After reading the contents, Henry shook his head in frustration. “I should have never let it get to this point. I should have stopped him a long time ago.” Turning to her with sorrow in his eyes, he asked, “Can you ever forgive me? It is because of me, he did what he did tonight.”

  “You stopped him, Henry. You kept him from taking my virtue and destroying my reputation. Don’t blame yourself for not knowing how truly diabolical the duke is.”

  “I think it is best if we take our leave, and head to the London estate where I can protect you better. It will give me time to figure out a way to deal with the duke once-and-for-all.”

  Margaret nodded. “I will do whatever you think best.”

  Chapter 22

  A month after the duke’s attack, Margaret discovered that she was with child, the heir to the title and wealth of the Rolantry name.

  “My lady, it is the only thing that explains why your monthly visit has not come for two months and why you have been getting sick in the morning. Those are the symptoms of it, and I have suspected it for weeks now,” Sarah said with a smile.

  “With child? With child! What glorious news! I can’t wait to tell Henry.”

  As Margaret walked the halls of their London estate, she still could not believe it to be true, but in the end, she knew the child would be the most perfect gift from God. She would honor that gift by choosing to be a good mother, and she knew Henry would be a good father, especially now that he had a relationship with God.

  After going several more times to church, Henry re-committed his life to the Lord. He attended church with her every week and began to pray and read his Bible daily. They prayed over meals together and often talked about the sermon from the previous week. The changes in Henry were remarkable.

  Margaret knocked on the door to Henry’s study and waited for a response.

  “Come in.” She heard from the other side of the door.

  Margaret entered the room to find Henry at his usual spot behind his desk. He glanced up with a contemplative look on his face, but quickly masked it with a smile.

  “You’re a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this visit?”

  “I have some news,” Margaret stated, “some rather wonderful news as it happens.”

  Henry stood from his desk and came around to her. He took her hands in his own and asked, “What is it?”

  Margaret took a deep breath and then let it out slowly, before saying, “I am with child.”

  Henry’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re certain?”

  “Sarah seems to be, and it makes sense as to how I have been feeling as of late.”

  “We’re going to have a baby? You and I?”

  “That’s usually how it happens. Yes,” Margaret replied with an amused lilt to her voice. “Are you pleased?”

  “Am I pleased? I’m more than pleased.” Pulling her into his embrace, he whispered against her ear, “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”

  Margaret wrapped her arms around his neck, loving the feel of his arms around her. “I’m glad to hear it. I want to make you happy.”

  Leaning back, Henry inspected his wife’s face.

  “Why are you looking at me that way?”

  “I’m looking for a glow,” Henry explained. “I often have heard a woman glows when she is pregnant.”

  A small laugh escaped Margaret, followed by a frown creasing her brow.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I just feel a bit queasy,” Margaret explained. “Sarah says it’s to be expected. I just need to sit down a moment.”

  Guiding her over to one of the chairs, he helped her sit. “Anything else you need, my love?”

  She shook her head. “I noticed when I walked in, you seemed distracted by something you were reading. What is going on?”

  “I contacted Pierre Girard, the Vidame of Demoulin. You remember him, correct? He is a family friend to both of us.”

  “I do. He visited my father a few months back.”

  “Yes. I am aware of his visit. I overheard a few servants mention he escorted you out to the stables after inquiring about your marital status.”

  Margaret shifted in her seat. “Henry, I did not encourage him to do so. He—”

  Henry raised his hand and waved off her defense. “You don’t need to explain. He has made it clear for years how he cares about you, which is why I knew he would be willing to help us, and do so discreetly.”

  “In what manner?” Margaret asked.

  “I made you a promise after your father’s passing that once you were feeling up to it, I would take you to France to look for your brother. I asked Pierre to set up accommodations for us since he is a resident of Paris and knows the area well.”

  Margaret jumped to her feet, her eyes rounding with joy. “Truly? You want to take me to France to look for Randall? You believe he didn’t die in the shipwreck?”

  “I believe in you, and you believe he didn’t. That’s enough to make me want to go help you look.” A frown crossed Henry’s face as he added, “However, now that we know you are pregnant, we may need to delay our trip until after the baby is born. Are you willing to do that?”

  “I’m not the most patient person,” Margaret admitted.

  “We can both agree on that,” Henry said with amusement.

  “You didn’t need to agree with me so quickly,” Margaret stated with mock-hurt. “But, in this instance, I agree. We should remain here until the baby is born.”

  “Good. Then it’s settled. In the summer, we will make our way to France to find your brother.”

  Margaret rushed to her husband and threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Henry. Thank you for believing in me, for giving me a family, and for being the husband I never knew I always needed.”

  With a small chuckle, Henry said, “I’m glad you finally realized that.” Looking deep into her eyes, he added, “I love you, Margaret.”

  “I love you too, Henry; more and more every day.” She leaned up and placed her lips upon his, sealing their love with a kiss.

  Preview of The French Encounter (Book 2)

  1863 Le Havre, France

  Lady Margaret, Countess of Renwick, held on to the rail of the steamboat. As she approached the French shoreline, her long, raven locks blew in the wind and she could feel the fall air on her pale skin.

  As she clutched the vessel’s edge, she wondered what lay ahead for her. Not only was she afraid, since it was her first time on the open sea, but also because everything was so unknown. She had barely been out of her province in England, and now she was about to step foot in a foreign country. This new place held the possibility of a completely fresh future.

  Even though she had never been to France, Margaret knew more about it than any other country. Her twin brother, Randall, had been lost at sea when his ship went down outside of France. She had vigorously researched everything there was to know about the country, hoping that one day she might be able to take a trip to France to find him. But her father dealt with Randall’s presumed death by focusing on anything other than finding out what happened to him, which left no room to allow her to pursue her hopes of finding her brother alive.

  Flash forward eight years and Margaret had finally made it to France in the most unexpected way. When she decided to flee the country, she made the decision to go there so she could carry out her plan to search for her brother. If she had to leave behind everything she loved and knew, it was not going to be in vain. If her brother was alive, she was going to find him.

  As Margaret stepped off the ship, she was greeted by a tall, well-dressed gentleman with a thick French accent. “Welcome to France, Countess. I am so delighted to see you again. I am glad that you have arrived safe, and I have arranged for you to stay at my estate.”

  Pierre Girard, the Vidame of Demoulin, was an old family friend and had visited her family right before her marriage to Henry. He had approached her father to discuss the possibility of courting her, but her father had decli
ned his offer, opting to keep his promise to Henry’s late father instead.

  Margaret studied the vidame; he had a chiseled body that was made evident by his tailored, stately suit in light grey. He was quite handsome with his straight, jet-black hair that stood out in contrast against his pale skin. His face was set off by his dark brown eyes that drew her in and held her attention. He was confident but not arrogant, which was refreshing in a nobleman, and there was something about him that exuded sensuality.

  She had not been able to see Pierre’s admirable qualities when he previously visited because she had been infatuated with the Duke of Witherton. Nothing else mattered to her, and she had no idea who the duke really was or of what he was capable.

  “Countess, by title I am a protector of land and people alike. I assure you that you will be safe and I will not allow any harm to come to you or your son while you are under my care.” The young man bowed deeply, and as he came up, he took Margaret’s hand and kissed the top of it.

  She smiled softly at him and spoke in flawless French, “Thank you for your hospitality, my lord.”

  His mouth formed an appreciative grin. “You speak French beautifully, Countess. Tell me, how is it that you came to speak my language so fluently?”

  “I had a deep… interest in your country since I was a young child and wanted to know every detail about it, including how to speak the language. At my insistence, my father hired a French tutor.”

  He took her hand and put it in the crook of his arm. “Come, I will escort you to the estate I arranged for you to stay at, and then we can discuss what your plans shall be while you stay in France.”

  “I am honored that you have done as much as you already have for us. I am truly grateful.”

  “After our last encounter in England, you should know by now that I would do anything you ask of me.”

  She blushed at the compliment. It seemed Pierre’s interest in her had not dissipated since the last time they were together. “Your generosity is just one of your numerous admirable qualities, my lord.”

  Hearing a noise behind her, they both looked at her entourage. With a hint of mirth, Pierre commented, “It does not seem you travel light, Countess.”

  Margaret looked at her devoted servants, Albert, Sarah, Motty, and Francisca, who chose to follow her to France. Along with her son and several pieces of luggage, she could see that she appeared to be ostentatious. However, what the vidame did not know was that this trip had no return date. There was no going home for any of them.

  “I hope that France meets and exceeds all of your expectations,” the vidame said as he helped Margaret up into the carriage.

  She turned her head and looked down at him with her deep violet eyes, replying, “I am sure that it will, my lord.”

  The French Encounter available now.

  Also by Jenna Brandt

  The Window to the Heart Saga

  Trilogy

  The English Proposal (Book 1)

  The French Encounter (Book 2)

  The American Conquest (Book 3)

  Spin-offs

  The Oregon Pursuit (Book 1)

  The White Wedding (Book 2)

  The Christmas Bride (Book 3)

  The Viscount’s Wife (Book 4)

  The Lawkeepers Series

  Lawfully Loved

  Lawfully Adored

  Lawfully Wanted

  The Rockwood Springs Series

  Promised to a Soldier

  Courted by a Soldier

  Loved by a Soldier (late summer 2018)

  For more information about Jenna Brandt visit her on any of her websites.

  www.JennaBrandt.com

  Acknowledgments

  My debut novel has been realized, and it would not be possible without those who supported me. Since I can remember, writing is the only thing I love to do, and my deepest desire is to share my talent with others.

  First and foremost, I am eternally grateful to Jesus, my lord and savior, who created me with this “writing bug” DNA.

  In addition, many thanks go to:

  My husband, Dustin, and three daughters, Katie, Julie, and Nikki, for loving me and supporting me during all my late-night writing marathons and coffee-infused mornings.

  My mother, Connie, for being my first and most honest critic, now and always. As a little girl, sleeping under your desk during late-night deadlines for the local paper showed me what being a dedicated writer looked like.

  My angels in heaven: my grandmother, who passed away in 2001; my infant son, Dylan, who was taken by SIDS three years ago; and my father, who left us this past year.

  My good friend and fellow indie author Alexia Purdy who answered all my questions about this process and showed me the ropes as well as designed the incredible cover for my book.

  Hot Tree Editing and their beta readers for doing such an impeccable job helping me prepare my writing for publication.

  To my ARC Angels for taking the time to read my story and give valuable feedback.

  To the Jenna Brandt Books Street Team, who have pounded the virtual streets on the internet, helping to spread the words about my books. Your dedication means a great deal.

  About the Author

  Jenna Brandt graduated with her BA in English from Bethany College. She is an ongoing contributor for The Mighty website, and her blog has been featured on Yahoo Parenting, The Grief Toolbox, ABC News and Good Morning America websites.

  Writing is her passion, with her focus in the Christian historical genre. Her books span from the Victorian to Western eras with elements of romance, suspense and faith.

  Jenna also enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna is also active in her local church, including serving on the first impressions team and writing features for the church’s creative team.

  A Note from the Author

  I hope you have enjoyed The English Proposal and plan to continue on this journey with Margaret throughout the series. Your opinion and support matters, so I would greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Without dedicated readers, a storyteller is lost. Thank you for investing in Margaret’s story.