Monday Morsels: The Reluctant Heir

The Reluctant Heir

by Jean Jacobsen

PROLOGUE
1822 Mt. Pleasant, NY

     The river has secrets.
     From time to time, she has been known to share.
     The cold water of the Hudson River lapped at Samuel’s feet as he dug for clams. Piles of driftwood and debris along the shoreline, left by recent storms, made the bubbles of his prey difficult to see. In among the rubble, he spotted an oiled canvas bag. Upon retrieving the heavy bag, he released the bindings and withdrew the contents. To his utter shock, Samuel gazed upon the family Bible of Captain Kidd and one half of a treasure map.
     Samuel tucked away the unexpected cache and returned home. Over the next several months, he listened to the local gossip about the Captain, his whereabouts, and a secret map. In time, the talk faded, and Samuel went about his life. The map and bible remained in his thoughts, and on his deathbed, he shared the secret with his family.
     The map remained a family secret, passed down through the generations. Although many in the family tried, no one could decipher the code and symbols left by the famous pirate, and they never found the other half of the map.
     Erin’s small hand held her grandfather’s work-hardened one as they walked along the Hudson River shoreline. They leaned into a brisk wind as they scoured the sand, searching for clams.
     After a time, Erin shouted, “Do you see any bubbles from the clams yet? My eyes are tearing up.”
     "Your eyes are much younger than mine. I If you’re not seeing the signs, then there aren’t any. Let’s search among the rocks and wood. Perhaps the river will give us something today.”
     Although they searched, there was nothing worth retrieving. If only the water had given up another gold doubloon, this day would be special. Empty handed, they left the shoreline and headed for home. The path leading from the river to the village was lined with trees, their branches whispering in the wind. It was much quieter here than on the shore.
     “Erin, my dear, I was about your age when my grandfather found something special on the shoreline. It’s been in our family over one hundred years. With your father’s passing, it’s time for me to pass the family secret to you, being his oldest child.”
     Erin wrapped her cloak more tightly about her slender body, hurrying along to keep up with his long strides. “Tell me, Granda Walter.”
     “Let’s get home first.”
     Soon enough, they reached the Blue Goose Inn, the popular tavern which had been in their family for several generations. Erin’s mother greeted them as they entered through the back kitchen door. “Find any clams today?”
     “Not a one,” answered Erin. “We’re going to the attic.”
     Her mother smiled and resumed her housework.
     Granda Walter pulled out an old wooden chest from the back corner and worked the lock. Once opened, he removed a few items and then took out a waterproof canvas bag. Erin was surprised as a wooden box slip from the bag and landed in her hands. The book was heavier than she expected. Her eyes grew wide when she lifted the latch and saw a Bible.
     “What is it, Granda?”
     “Open it.”
     She opened the cover. On the book plate a name was neatly penned. Captain William Kidd. Awestruck, she turned the pages until she came to a loose one.
     “We think this paper is part of a treasure map, but no one has been able to figure out the letters and symbols. Captain Kidd lived and sailed out of New York for many years so some of his treasure may be in this area.”
     “Your task my child is to keep the secret safe and locate the treasure.”
     Oh, I will, Granda. I will keep it safe for our family. No matter what.


CHAPTER 1 
1832 – Paris, France

     In the late spring of 1832, the Granger family received word James, the eldest son, had gone down on a ship from Boston bound for Paris, France. He had been managing the family’s American holdings and was returning for a rare visit to attend the christening of his sister’s youngest son, to whom he would be Godfather. Instead of rejoicing in celebration, the Granger family now planned a funeral. Robert Granger, head of the family, was the ambassador to France from America. The ambassador’s residence, maintained by the appointed statesman and not the government, served both as place of business and living quarters. Official offices occupied the first floor of the stylish manor house, with the upper floors serving as the family’s residence. The second floor was used for entertaining guests, state dinners, and afternoon soirees.
     The announcement of James’ death, threw the entire household in to mourning. A steady stream of visitors flooded the upstairs family receiving rooms. Dignitaries sent notes of condolence. Spring flowers filled the halls. Black crepe marked the doors, and servants wore a black armband on their uniforms. Family and staff alike found the news hard to believe. Their beloved James had perished.
     Liam, as a second son, found himself more exposed than ever. He went through those first days after James’ death haunted by their shared past. His now dead brother had been the fair haired boy, the favorite son, the apple of his father’s eye. Liam, the spare heir, had a different life. His father, the authoritarian, loomed large and routinely compared his and James’ achievements. He also pitted Liam against James in subtle games Liam most often lost. His father’s negligent treatment brought feelings of worthlessness and fears of punishment. The constant belittling he endured served to drive a wedge in their relationship.
     Nicholas, the third born, had gone through life assuming he would always be a second spare heir and as such would never be called upon to fulfill any major family obligations.
     Their sister Ann, being the only girl, was protected and loved by them all. She had been properly presented to society, married to a man of wealth whom she professed to love, and had successfully birthed several children.


Want to read more?

Opportunity. Betrayal. Love. 

New York, 1830

     After tragedy strikes his family, Liam Granger, once simply considered the spare heir, is given a choice—marry a proper society chit, or travel to America and oversee the family’s holdings. Seeking adventure and opportunity, he chooses to return to the land of his birth. Shortly after arriving, he discovers a devious scheme and is forced to flee Boston for New York. Injured and seeking asylum, Liam meets Erin, the only woman who has ever stirred both his intellect and his passions.
     A bloodied, bruised, and hunted man was the last thing hardworking inn keeper Erin Baldwin expected to find in her courtyard. Although circumstances urged her to send Liam packing, the way her beloved dog Jack took to him convinced her to give his sanctuary. She discovers a kindred soul and is soon fighting a powerful attraction to this impossibly handsome man. As she grows closer she wonders, what are his true intentions?
     The discovery of a secret document brings Liam and Erin closer and enables them to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Will they be partners until they reap their rewards, or is their partnership meant to last a lifetime?
    
The Reluctant Heir is an American historical romance set in New York’s Hudson River Valley in the 1830’s. If you like strong female characters, roguish heroes, and 19th Century adventure tales, you’ll love Jean Jacobsen’s latest novel.

http://geni.us/Gw0r


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