Romance of the Ruin — Judith Hale Everett

Book 2 of the Branwell Chronicles (331 pages)

A ruined manor. A lost heir. A grumpy caretaker. And a young lady ready to stake her fortune that they are all worth redeeming.

"Judith Hale Everett is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to historical romance collections." -- Midwest Book Review

Lonely and yearning for excitement, Miss Lenora Breckinridge stumbles upon an abandoned mansion near her new home and is mesmerized by the romantic possibilities. One taste of its sordid history and she is determined to be the heroine and redeem the manor, righting all its past wrongs. It couldn't be simpler; all she must do is discover the lost heir, charm him into marriage, and convince him to use her fortune to restore the ruined manor.

Mr. James Ingles is disillusioned by the short hand fate has continually dealt him, but goes to be caretaker to the ruined mansion in a last effort to seek his fortune. Nothing he tries there can alleviate his circumstances, however, and he is ready to quit the place when he discovers Miss Breckinridge's fascination with the ruin. It seems his luck is finally in -- if only he can play his cards right.