Love and Lavender
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A Mayfield Family Romance – Vol. 4 in the standalone series
Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls’ school.
When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance if she marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options.
Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own accounting firm.
Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must first live together as a couple for one year.
Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?
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4 primary books#4 in Mayfield Family
Mayfield Family is a 4-book series with 4 released primary works first released in 2018 with contributions by Josi S. Kilpack.
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Elliott Mayfield 5th Viscount Mayfield has recently come into his title at a mature age.
He is saddened to see his nephews and nieces in difficult situations.
From a distance he has supported his niece, Hazel Stillman. She was born with a clubfoot, resulting in her rejection by her Society family. Sent away to school from a young age, Elliott has at least been able to pay for excellent schooling. Hazel is an intelligent young woman, now teaching advanced mathematics at a girls' school.
Elliott also supports Duncan Penhale. Not actually a nephew, but taken on by his sister. Duncan is different, (on the autistic spectrum) in a time when difference was not well tolerated. Elliott has arranged a place to live and an accountancy job which suits Duncan's strengths.
Elliott wants all his nephews and nieces to find marital felicity and arranges dowry/ inheritance for each upon marriage to an appropriate partner he approves of.
Hazel and Duncan meet at Elliott's house, when he announces his gift.
Hazel is furious with her uncle as she believes no-one will ever wish to marry her, except fortune hunters.
Duncan is suitably thankful (as his Dad taught him to be) but privately feels as Hazel does.
The only good thing that comes from the meeting is a correspondence between Hazel and Duncan on mathematical and intellectual matters.
When both Hazel and Duncan separately find themselves in need of money, Duncan suggests that they marry.
Elliott did not want them to have a marriage of convenience and refuses to pay up.
In a compromise, Hazel and Duncan find themselves committed to living together for a year. What unfolds is both sweet and painful.
This is an excellent book. Duncan's autism is well portrayed. The sudden uncertainty when he thinks someone is laughing at him. His bewilderment at Hazel's abandonment is heart-rending.
I loved Elizabeth the cat!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
