: Marian L. Jasper
: Fame and Fortune Fifth in the Liza Marchant Series
: Vivid Publishing
: 9781922565617
: 1
: CHF 5.20
:
: Historische Romane und Erzählungen
: English
: 646
: DRM
: PC/MAC/eReader/Tablet
: ePUB
'How did Liza manage all her businesses?' wondered modern-day writer Ellie Fuller as she continued her research into Liza Marchant's life. 'We have mobiles, computers, video calls but all she had were letters. The successful Transatlantic telegraph system didn't come into play until after the Civil War.' But even with the lack of immediate communication, Liza and the Fuller family took advantage of an opportunity presented to them in the form of land and government investment near New York which resulted in farming, factories and the new township of Daltons. 'An opportunity not to be missed,' Liza had said, and she had been right. As Ellie continued with Liza's story, she had reason to ponder the justice system in the 19th century, which was harsh, sometimes deservedly so, but at other times it was overly severe. She found that there were far reaching consequences for Liza and Jamie when they chose not to report the whereabouts of an escaped prisoner to the authorities. They had convinced them- selves that their only sin was one of omission, but it repeatedly came back to haunt them. Much to Liza and Jamie's surprise, Bella, the Duchess of Berkshire and her two boys arrived on their doorstep one day. They all appeared to enjoy the experience so much that they rarely left, which led to a lifelong friendship between the two families. Having read through another of Liza's journals, Ellie sat back and thought that if communication had been more streamlined in those days then she would not be able to read the letters and journals which pieced together all that happened in Liza's life. 'I'm glad she didn't live in the so-called paperless society.'

Chapter 1

It was the morning after the Duke of Berkshire’s dinner and Liza yawned and stretched out in Jamie’s bed. He was still sleeping peacefully and much as she wanted to stay and rest with him, she knew that she had a great deal to do that day. Firstly she had to write to Wendell and let him know of the great good fortune that the charity would now receive from the Duke and his friends not only in money but also in patronage including Prince Albert. The Queen had said how appalled she was that such a charity was needed in her realm and she lent her support for it but understandably she could not show favour to one charity above another.

Liza slipped out of bed and made her way to her own room and started to get ready for the day. She heard the boys making their way down to the kitchen for breakfast and then Jamie put his head around her door.

“Good morning Liza,” he said. “I didn’t hear you leave this morning; you must have tiptoed away. How are you? Have you got over your bout of depression?”

“Oh Jamie, you know I wasn’t really depressed, I was just being silly. You must admit though it would be nice to go here, there and everywhere without people treating us like royalty,” said Liza.

“So you think we’re treated like royalty, do you? I didn’t treat you like royalty last night, did I? I don’t think that royalty would have had the fun that we had in bed. You have to admit that we had no airs and graces and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did,” laughed Jamie.

“I enjoy everything that we do together Jamie,” said Liza. “I hope we weren’t too noisy. I would hate to think that we woke the household with our energetic endeavours.”

“I suppose it wouldn’t be the first time that the household have heard love making,” said Jamie. “What are your plans for the day?”

“Firstly I must write to Wendell informing him of what is happening. He’ll be so pleased. I know that he has handed over much of the running to Edward and Joseph, but he does worry about the financial side of the charity, so he will now have his mind put at rest,” said Liza. “Then I must send somebody to find the Major and Hector and hope that they can call here later today or first thing tomorrow. We may be able to make even better improvements to the Home. We’ll see what they have to say.”

“I know what you’re rea