The Heiress of Winterwood

Graham paused outside the front door of the Sulters’ house, his hand hovering over the latch. He had parted ways with William, who opted to secure a room at a nearby inn. The frosty air soothed his heated spirit, but something in him still felt restless.

Leaning to the left, Graham peered through the window. Amelia sat in a chair next to the fire. Lucy, looking more like a cherub than a child, slumbered on Amelia’s chest, her curly head tucked tightly under Amelia’s chin.

Graham let himself in and closed the door quickly behind him, fearing the cool air would disturb the pair. Even though the morning sun was already climbing the sky, the house was quiet. All were asleep, worn out. He tried to be quiet, but as the door fell closed behind him, Amelia jerked her head up. As her eyes met his, a warm smile curved her lips. Inviting him in, drawing him closer.

The fire’s cordial glow bathed the small room in warm light, playing on Amelia’s golden strands and Lucy’s copper curls. Graham’s chest swelled with unexpected emotion as he touched his fingers to Lucy’s sleeping head.

He swayed from foot to foot, hesitant to speak lest his voice break the peaceful spell. “Is she all right?”

“She’s fine, Graham.” Amelia’s words were soft. “Do you wish to hold her?”

Graham held his breath. He did want to hold her, but he hesitated. “I’ve no desire to wake her.”

“Nonsense.” Amelia stood from the chair, her movements gentle, and slowly extended Lucy toward him.

Graham gathered his sleeping daughter protectively in his arms and inhaled her scent. His little girl was perfect, from the copper curls to her dimpled hands. And she was his. “She smells sweet.”

“It’s lavender.”

His gaze met hers. He already knew that. It was the same scent Amelia wore.

She stood close and adjusted the blanket around Lucy, and as she did her hand brushed his chest. Warmth surged through him from her touch, and he heaved a deep breath. At this close range, the fire reflected on the tracks of dried tears down Amelia’s cheeks, a sobering reminder of the day’s events. He glanced around and found the cradle next to the settee. He gently laid Lucy down, pulling the blanket over her and tucking it around the edges. Then he returned his attention to Amelia, aware of a tremor beginning somewhere deep within him.

Her chest heaved with a shallow breath. Her eyes fell on his arm, and she reached out and touched his forearm with timid fingers. Such a simple touch, yet he felt it to the very core of his being.

She whispered, “Does it hurt?”

He shook his head. Indeed, he felt no pain.

Amelia’s expectant eyes held his and refused to let him look away. He didn’t miss the flush of her cheeks, the shallowness of her breath. “I should have listened to you,” she said. “You told me not to leave the Sulters’, and I did. I am so sorry. Please don’t be angry with me. I know I—”

He lifted his hand to her cheek and rubbed his thumb tenderly over her soft lips, silencing her. Now was not the time for words, for what words could describe what he felt for her in that moment?

Fierce longing commandeered his senses as his gaze lingered on her full, parted lips. He tipped her chin upward with his forefinger, his face hovering just inches above hers. She gasped as he pulled her tighter, but she didn’t look away.

Desire for the woman he loved pulsed through his veins. He cupped the back of her neck, splaying his fingers aggressively through the damp golden tresses.

Slowly he lowered his mouth to hers, intending to be gentle. He didn’t want to frighten her, not after what she’d been through. But every fear, every emotion from the past three days transformed into possessive passion at the velvety touch of her lips. Discipline of will, his constant companion, fled, leaving behind a yearning unlike any he’d ever known. Boldly, without apology, he deepened the kiss, pressing her body closer to his.

Beneath his touch her body trembled, but she didn’t resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, trailing her fingers through his hair.

His lips left hers to move to her ear. His whisper was rough. Desperate. “Marry me, Amelia. Not for Lucy. Not for your inheritance. But for me.”

He couldn’t wait for her answer before his lips again captured hers. Reveling in the intoxicating scent of her, he buried his face into her neck. He needed to hear her say it. He was a man desperate for the words. Perhaps at one point he could have been satisfied to be her husband in name only. But now, after he had tasted her lips, after his hands had memorized the feel of her skin, it would be impossible.

Her body weakened underneath his touch, and she pulled back. Large eyes regarded him with curiosity, but not fear. Even in the shadows he could see the flush of her cheeks, the smile curving her lips. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and her chest rose and fell with emotion. A single word sealed his future happiness: “Yes!”

He released the breath he’d been holding, wrapped his arms tighter around her waist, and lifted her up off the floor. A giddy giggle bubbled from her, and he lost himself again in the wonder of her kiss.

Amelia now belonged to him. He belonged to her.

And heaven help him, he would endeavor to deserve her.





READING GROUP GUIDE



1. In this story, Amelia risks everything—her future, security, and reputation—to keep a promise to a loved one. Have you ever had to give up something to keep a promise?

2. Amelia was forced to choose between following the will of her family and keeping a promise to her friend. Do you think Amelia handled her situation in the best way? If you were Amelia, what would you have done differently?

3. Initially, Graham is unable to forgive himself for some of the mistakes in his past, but over time he learns to accept God’s forgiveness and, in turn, forgives himself. Is there something in your past that you have had a hard time forgiving yourself for?

4. Do you think that Edward ever really loved Amelia as he claimed? Why or why not?

5. Amelia grew up without a mother, and when she needed advice, she often turned to Mrs. Hammond. If you had been Mrs. Hammond, what advice would you have given Amelia?

6. At the end of the novel, Helena is pregnant and comes to realize that her impressions of Edward were false. How is Helena different at the end of the novel than she was at the beginning? What lessons do you think she learned?

7. Why do you think Captain Sterling is so reluctant to give his horse a name?

8. Growing up, Amelia and Helena were very close, but over time, circumstances drove a wedge between them. Have you ever had a relationship in your own life take such a turn? How were you able to repair the relationship?

9. At the beginning of the book, instead of turning to God for guidance, Amelia relies on her own wisdom to concoct a plan of how she can keep her promise to Katherine. In the end, she realizes that her own strength is not sufficient and learns to rely on God. Has there been a time in your life when you learned a similar lesson?

10. In what way is Amelia different at the end of the story? In what way is she the same?





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS





No relationship is by accident, and I am so thankful for the people God has brought into my life. Words cannot express the extent of my gratitude for those who have supported and encouraged my writing.

To my husband, Scott, and to my darling daughter—the two of you are my greatest joy and inspiration. Thank you for believing in my dream and going on this journey with me. I am richly blessed.

To my parents, Ann and Wayne, who have prayed for me and cheered me on through every endeavor, and a special thanks to my mom, Ann, and my sister, Sally, who were my very first readers. Who knew editing could be such fun?

To my friend and agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, whose guidance has been a blessing on my writing career. Your passion is truly contagious.

To my editor, Natalie Hanemann, and my copyeditor, Anne Buchanan. Your insight is impeccable, and you both taught me more than you could ever realize. And to the design team, the editorial team, and the marketing folks at Thomas Nelson . . . you guys are amazing.

To my fellow historical authors Kim Taylor and Carrie Fancett Pagels, who offered advice and friendship while I was writing this book, and to the TG5 ladies, who encouraged me when this story was just a whisper of an idea. Each one of you is a blessing to me.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky golden retriever.