Held To Ransom: A Marriage of Convenience – Part 1

Joshua Norbery’s problems come in many forms: some of which are female…

Held to Ransom – (A Marriage of Convenience – Part 1) – (Linmore Series Book 3) continues the story of the gentry at Linmore Hall, with a marriage that would never have taken place if a vital piece of information had been known – and a friendship which began in an atmosphere of emotional blackmail. Set in rural Shropshire during the pre-Regency era (1808-1816).

(Reissued as the sequel to Brothers at Arms)

It is six years since Joshua Norbery completed his land management studies in Norfolk, during which time he has made Linmore one of the best estates in Shropshire. Now he must secure its future, but when the bride of his choice proves elusive, he makes a decision that is intended to benefit Linmore.

Despite having vowed never to marry for money, Joshua contracts such an alliance, but within days of the wedding he learns that an old mortgage on his family estate has been acquired by the bride’s father. The only way to redeem it is to provide a son as heir to his father-in-law’s business empire. Arthur Bradstone uses the threat of losing Linmore to ensure Joshua’s compliance, but no one seems to have told Joshua’s wife, Annabel, of the part that she is required to play.

Hardly has Joshua overcome the initial difficulties in his marriage, than shadows from his past threaten to tear it apart. There are insidious influences to avoid, secret intrigues with a hint of scandal, as well as a petulant wife to appease and an interfering father-in-law to be endured.

How can Miss Dinchope, the eminently superior housekeeper that Joshua employs, prevent Bradstone from infiltrating the household with his hired minions? Will she succeed in training the raw country servants to resist bribery? Is the paragon in black bombazine all she claims to be on her testimonial, and is she, herself, beyond temptation? Therein is Joshua’s dilemma – for if she is not, how will he respond? What hope is there for Linmore if he has made a wrong decision...?

Maria Dinchope is an enigma, who left her last post under a cloud and gained her position at Linmore by subterfuge. She knows to whom she owes loyalty, but trusts no one in a troubled household. Her ability to maintain order in the servants’ hall is beyond question; so why does pity for a tall, grey-eyed gentleman disturb her composure? That is a weakness she cannot afford...

First published as a standalone, Held to Ransom now becomes A Marriage of Convenience – Part 1. The story remains the same; only the edition and the cover have changed, apart from a few editorial corrections.