Moonlight & Roses

By Lisa Angelo

Lily Peyton and her sisters have been indulged by their father as they grew up. Now is the time for them to get married, but Lily is not thrilled with her choices. Lily tries to keep potential suitors at bay, but she is being pressured by the rules of society and her father.

Ethan Huntington wants to be a shipbuilder, but his grandparents have other ideas. His grandmother wishes he would settle down. He adores her and hates to make her sad, but he has goals he wants to accomplish without worrying about a spoiled female getting in his way.

Moonlight & Roses follows Lily and Ethan on a journey to unravel a mystery, but they find family intrigue along with a partner in life they never imagined possible. Despite societys rules, will they still be able to reach their goals and make their dreams come true?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Dec 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504347815

Lisa Angelo

Lisa Angelo released her first novel, Awakening to Love, in 2015. She prefers to write romantic comedies and to throw her characters into an adventure. Lisa met a lot of twenty-somethings at work and realized early on they learn faster when the lessons are entertaining. Lisa’s goal is to make learning exciting by plunging the reader into a unique and fascinating story. She combined her sense of fun, love of romance novels, interest in history, and research of the self-help genre to create her latest adventure—Moonlight & Roses. Lisa is a wife and the mother of two children. She loves to travel, write, and spend time with family and friends. Lisa believes knowledge can come from anywhere and is fascinated to learn new things. She loves to watch movies, television, and people in general. She believes they offer clues to ways to make life better and provides nice quirks for her to incorporate into her stories.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

August, 1768

Pirate’s Treasure

On the banks of the York River in the Virginia Colony

W elcome to our home, Sarah. Grace Peyton, hostess and wife to the owner of the mansion, stood in the main entryway by the grand staircase. I am so happy you have decided to build your summer retreat nearby. Now we can visit more often. Grace hugged her newest friend. She led the way to the sitting area off to the right, but had to stop in her tracks as four young girls barreled through the front door. Girls, please mind your manners. We have a guest. She reached out and grabbed her eldest daughter, Lily, by her shoulder. Sarah, I am sorry you must meet my girls when they are so messy. She struggled to make the other ones stop.

Sarah Huntington chuckled as she noticed Grace tried to trip the youngest child rushing past her. No worries, my dear. I have a daughter, but she was not interested in playing in the dirt. My sons, and now grandsons, constantly brought the outdoors inside our home. We saw rare types of insects and assorted creatures. She smiled. These young ladies are stunning even with mud covering their hands and faces. Your husband must have many offers of marriage for them already.

Lily squirmed and motioned for her sisters to be quiet. It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Huntington. All the girls curtseyed and waited for permission to leave.

Grace rolled her eyes and pointed to the kitchens. Go, get cleaned up, and ask Cook to bring some refreshments. She shook her head and grimaced when her four children sounded like horses as they ran through the hallway. I am truly sorry for their behavior.

Sarah waved a hand at her. Do not worry. Actually, I was the same way when I was their age. She followed her friend into the room and glanced around at the interesting décor. My, goodness. She wandered over to the case in the corner. You have some amazing artifacts on display. She reached out to gingerly touch a gold doubloon. I have not seen one this old before. Where did you find it?

Grace picked up the coin and let her friend hold it. Supposedly my husband’s ancestors were pirates or that is the story his father enjoyed telling. She pulled open a drawer and found the silver coins. Here are a few older pieces. The girls have found these and other oddities around the property. It’s part of the reason why they named the house, Pirate’s Treasure.

Fascinating tale. She placed the coins back. I would have loved to grow up in such a history rich environment. I lived in the city and we were never allowed to play in the dirt, but I always managed to find some. She grinned as she remembered her past. It’s probably why I encouraged my children and grandsons to roll around in it whenever possible. She followed Grace to the couch and smiled when she saw little fingers peeking around the edge of the door. How old are the girls?

Lily is fourteen, the twins are a year younger, and Skye was born a little over a year after them. Grace heard a noise and grinned. Ladies, please present your clean hands to me.

Aw, mother. How do you always know we are there? Lily stood up and shook out her skirts. We were very quiet this time.

Sarah waved her over and patted the seat next to her. Sit with me and I will explain. She felt a burst of pride when the other girls chose to sit by her too. Your mother and I realized last week that we had a lot in common. Both of us have sisters, but we also had brothers. If we wanted to play or see what they were doing, we needed to be extra quiet and smarter.

The twins, Kylee and Brenna, nodded. Lily turned to her mother. Can you teach us? We need to sneak up on Camren one day because he scares us all the time.

Skye clapped her hands. Oh yes, please teach us. He was not frightened by the spiders in his bed. His mother screamed when we put a frog in his shoes, but he only laughed.

Grace put her hand over her mouth. Please tell me Mrs. Somers is not upset with us.

Lily waved away her distress. Of course not. We sent Skye to smooth things over. She turned to look at Mrs. Huntington. Mrs. Somers loves her. She even gave us cookies to make us feel better.

Sarah chuckled. She had to make you feel better?

Cook finally arrived with the tea and cookies. Grace served everyone and turned to one of the twins. Kylee, please tell me the truth. What happened?

Kylee wiped away the crumbs from her mouth. Skye explained all the horrible things that Camren has done to us over the past few years. His mother was horrified. She punished him and gave us cookies.

Grace bit her lip. I sense there is more to this story. Brenna?

She blew out a breath. Why do you always pick me after Kylee?

Because I know you cannot wait to say your part of the tale. I have to piece the puzzle together to hear the truth. Grace sipped her tea and waved for her daughter to continue.

Grace!

Oh dear. Grace quickly shooed her daughters away. Hurry, before he finds you in here. She pasted a smile on her face. Yes, Charles? I am in the sitting room with Mrs. Huntington. She made a face at Sarah and bit her lip. I knew there was more to their story. Drat that I did not hear the whole of it from them.

Charles ran his hand through his hair. I am sorry, Mrs. Huntington. I did not realize you were here. My apologies for bellowing when I entered my home. He blew out a breath and gave his hat and coat to the servant. He placed a kiss on his wife’s cheek and bowed to their guest.

Sarah kept her facial expressions neutral. Do not concern yourself, Mr. Peyton. Your wife has been simply charming and we were catching up on the latest news.

Charles turned red. Yes, yes. I am sorry for intruding. He noticed all the extra tea dishes and the empty plate for cookies. He eyed both ladies. They were in here with you? He sank into a nearby chair.

Grace waved away his concern. Charles, please, they were on their best behavior. There is no need to worry.

Sarah chuckled. Yes, they were absolutely lovely. I adore them and wish my grandsons would be intelligent enough to offer for them.

He scratched his ear. Which is why I was upset when I came home. He blew out a breath. We may need to move to another area.

Grace and Sarah frowned at him. Grace decided to ask the question on their mind. Why?

He stood up and paced in front of the fireplace. There is not a delicate way to say this and I would prefer to tell you without a guest.

Sarah scooted up to the edge of the couch. Grace put her hand out. No, she is my friend. Tell me now, Charles.

The gossip around town is that our girls are incorrigible and no man in their right mind would ever marry any of them. We are doomed. Charles stopped in front of his wife. I will have to provide for them until their old age. He raised his arms in the air towards the ceiling.

Sarah chuckled and put her hand onto her chest. Oh, dear. Charles, I see where the girls learned their dramatic timing. She continued laughing when she saw the shock on his face. Truly, your daughters are wonderful and a smart man will find them charming. She wiped the tears from her eyes and stood. Grace, I will leave you now so you can calm your husband’s fears. Charles, let me tell you one thing. I was a lot worse than your children and Alistaire had to fight to win my hand. She placed a kiss on Grace’s cheek and went out to her carriage. She waved at the girls when she rode by their hiding place at the edge of the forest. Yes, I would love to have any one of them as a granddaughter. Hmm, if I work this out correctly, I may even get two of them. I am positive Ethan and Jeremiah are not only smart enough to handle them, but soft hearted enough to let them stay incorrigible. Sarah continued to plot out her plan on her way back to the city of Williamsburg.

CHAPTER 1

May, 1773

Paradise Retreat

Near the James River in the Virginia Colony

E than, dear, quit fidgeting with your cravat. You will ruin it before our guests arrive.

Ethan watched his paternal grandmother, Sarah Huntington, tuck in the ends to his neck cloth. He struggled not to roll his eyes. He would have pushed her away, but she was not a person to upset. She had been by his grandfather’s side and assisted him in building their shipping company. Her visits to the dock taught her how to handle a man, and she could curse better than any sailor when she was riled. He knew this party was important for them, but he was not interested in finding a wife. This event was arranged for him and his cousin to meet the ladies of the surrounding area around Williamsburg. He felt it was a waste of time. He would have preferred discussing politics in a tavern or wandering around a ship building business instead of this humiliation. He glanced down and held his frustrated sigh.

She patted his face. There, there. You have no need to panic. Your grandfather and I are here along with Jeremiah. We can assist you in picking out the perfect wife.

The gleam in her eyes told him she was up to something and she had an uncanny way to read his thoughts. Ethan blew out his breath and rubbed the back of his neck to remove the pressure building there. I am not upset about the guests, Grandmother. I am perfectly capable of finding my own wife. He gave her a pointed look. Without assistance. He grinned and kissed her cheek. Anyway, no one can compare to you, so your plan is doomed to fail before it begins. He winked at her. I am also not interested in anyone who is perfect.

You are a naughty boy. She smacked his hand. Behave or I may pick her out myself. She searched his face. There truly is no need for concern, Ethan. A wife will be good for you. You will see the benefits.

Ethan knew he had to steer her thoughts in another direction or she would realize he did not want to marry yet. He hated disappointing her especially when she was so happy being on the plantation. My concern revolves around Mother and Father. Which was close to the truth. They should have arrived from Maryland hours ago. He hoped this would keep her busy for a few minutes. He walked to the window and looked out. Father sent a note stating they would arrive yesterday. It is not like him to be late. He turned quickly when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. It was his cousin, Jeremiah, and the other person condemned to finding a wife at tonight’s ball.

Jeremiah, dressed in his formal attire, looked grimly at Ethan. He held out a folded piece of paper. Marshall gave me this note a few moments ago.

What is it? Sarah peeked over his arm and gasped. Are you certain?

Alistaire Huntington, paternal grandfather to the boys, walked in briskly which was amazing considering his age of sixty five. He rubbed his hands together. Why is everyone standing around? We have guests arriving in the carriages. He stopped and scanned the faces of his loved ones. His handsome grandsons, with similar looks to his lovely wife, did not seem happy at the moment. What happened?

Ethan held out the letter and rubbed between his eyes. This was delivered recently. He felt the pressure increasing behind his temples even after massaging them.

Alistaire snatched the paper to read. What is the meaning of this? He reached for the door and bellowed. Marshall! He turned and noticed his wife reaching blindly for a seat behind her. He rushed over. Dear, do not worry. Ward and Barton know how to take care of themselves. They will probably escape and arrive before the ball has ended. She looked up at him, nodded, and tears began to form in her eyes. Alistaire could handle anything except seeing her unhappy especially here at her special place. He vowed then to kill the culprits behind this evil plan.

Sarah shook her head. My beautiful party is ruined. We cannot cancel things now. Her mind was mulling things over. How are we to search for them and entertain all of our friends? She glanced out the window. Everyone will be here within the half hour.

Alistaire heard footsteps and Marshall’s discreet cough. There you are. He showed his butler the paper. Do you know anything about this notice? Alistaire paced the front entryway and waited for a response.

Marshall remained standing at the entrance and did not step one foot into the room. No, sir. He looked directly at his new boss. I was helping cook carry in more water to the kitchens. He puckered his mouth. Samuel. You know the young stable hand. He told me to give it to you right away.

Ethan frowned. How did Samuel get the note? He scratched his ear. This is getting stranger by the moment. Marshall, please bring Samuel here, at once. He motioned his hands to get the servant to move quickly.

The butler bowed and rushed out.

Jeremiah leaned against the mantel on the fireplace, which was located on the opposite side of the front door. This situation seems odd to me too. Why would anyone leave a note to a boy, even if he is a stable hand? Especially if it was urgent? He tugged on his cravat and looked at his cousin. A commotion outside caused him to quit fidgeting with his apparel.

Sarah groaned. Our guests are here. She straightened her dress and wiped her tears away. Quickly, act as nothing has happened. We must be jovial until the night is over. She smiled. Even if it kills us. We can ponder this issue and look for them after everyone departs. She placed Ethan to her left and Jeremiah to her right. Paste a grin on your face now before the guests enter. She nodded when they followed her guidance.

Alistaire peeked out the window and groaned. Great, it’s Thomas. Our ungrateful and useless son-in-law.

Sarah gave everyone stern stares especially when her grandsons began to snicker. That will be enough. He is family after all. She stepped forward and welcomed Thomas to her home. Where is my darling daughter? She glanced around his big body, but did not see anyone else.

Thomas coughed. She is on her way. You know how Juliana adores gardens. He strolled in and surveyed the grand entryway. The house looks remarkably better than the last time we were here.

Ethan scanned the large area with the high ceilings and delicate crown molding designed by his grandmother. The hardwood floor planks were made from the trees on the plantation. A master carver fashioned the expansive mantel. Sarah required him to include the family name and crest into the elaborate creation. Ethan knew his grandparents had spent a lot of time making this a comfortable home even if it cost a small fortune. His uncle’s comment annoyed him. You were here in the middle of the building process, Uncle Thomas. Of course it is different. A movement caught his eye and he noticed Samuel waiting shyly by the door. Ethan started forward to talk to him.

Thomas stepped in the way and steered Ethan towards a portrait hanging over the fireplace. Martha, your great grandmother, was a beautiful woman when she was younger. Hmm, now that I think about it, artists during her time exaggerated features especially if the person was quite ugly. Thomas snickered and slapped Ethan on the back. Do not worry, old boy. You will have your pick of the available ladies. If you are lucky, she might have a pleasant face along with a fortune to pass along. Thomas chuckled at Ethan’s grimace. Come on and be a man. Things are not as bad as you think.

Jeremiah had wandered back to the fireplace mantel after greeting a few guests. We have not seen the ladies of the neighborhood yet, Uncle. Speak with us later. He made sure no one could hear, and leaned in. I am sure we will have plenty of beautiful choices and we are up to the challenge.

Ethan laughed and nodded. He blew out a breath when his uncle finally meandered off and headed into the dining area with some of the other visitors. He certainly can be annoying and knows how to cheer up a dying man. He fought the temptation to run his hand through his hair. Ethan turned to speak to his cousin. How did Jeremiah get a glass of brandy? Ethan saw a bottle strategically hidden behind taller items on the ledge. He reached for a tumbler from a passing servant, poured a large amount, and gulped it down. He allowed the liquor to warm his insides and ignored the chuckle from Jeremiah. Ethan dispensed more into each of their glasses. We have enough to deal with since our parents apparently have been kidnapped. I do not want to concern myself about a future wife now. I do not particularly care if she is gorgeous, ugly, or rich. He nodded to a few gentlemen as they wandered by chuckling at them. These men find our predicament humorous.

Jeremiah waved a hand. Do not concern yourself with them. They escorted their mothers here tonight.

Ethan frowned. Why is that important?

Ethan, my man, it speaks to the intelligence of the women living in the area. He chuckled and raised his glass. Oh and you may want to rethink the value of a gorgeous wife. Jeremiah scooted out of the way from Ethan’s elbow jab. Now, now, cousin, you do not wish to upset grandmother.

Ethan glanced at Sarah. True. She is a remarkable woman. Not many people could stand and greet friends after hearing your sons and their wives are missing. He gazed into the brown liquid as he swirled it around in a circle. I saw Samuel at the door earlier. Did you get a chance to talk to him?

Jeremiah shook his head. No, he disappeared when Uncle Thomas stepped in his direction. He scratched behind his ear and nodded to a few guests. I wonder why the boy is so skittish around people. Do you think he was beaten before he was hired here? He saw Ethan shrug, but knew his thoughts were elsewhere. Jeremiah watched his grandmother again. She is normally a very spirited woman and now the spark is gone from her eyes. Do not add to her agony now, cousin. Let us actively play the part of tortured bachelors having to choose a lady. She wishes for us to settle down and we can give her this gift tonight. We will have enough time tomorrow to catch the villains.

Ethan nodded. True enough. We will still be able to speak to Samuel after the party. He blew out a breath and focused on his cousin. We need to make this evening more entertaining for ourselves. He saw a few ladies boldly check out their surroundings and mentally calculate the cost. These women can be cutthroat, so we may need a small wager to keep us both here? He gave a crooked smile.

What are you suggesting? Jeremiah, intrigued, leaned in closer so they would not be overheard.

Ethan scratched his cheek. His cousin had a penchant for finding great tasting alcohol. A bottle of your best Irish whiskey? Ethan grinned when he saw the shock on his cousin’s face. I noticed you had one in your bedchamber earlier today.

Jeremiah smirked. Do you think I would be able to survive this harrowing night without some spirits? He nodded to a few couples walking into the house. Okay, I’ll wager a bottle of my whiskey for your new Arabian horse.

Ethan laughed out loud, drawing a concerned look from his grandmother. He waved and turned back to his favorite, and only, cousin. I will not give up my new horse for the liquor, but I might be willing to let you ride him.

Jeremiah pondered the idea. Fair enough. I would not wish to share my new Arabian either. He sipped his brandy and grimaced. I would prefer my whiskey now, but this was the only spirits I found nearby. They watched a few more families enter the house. So, are you going to tell me what we are betting for or is it to remain a secret?

Ethan chuckled. I could not decide how to make the wager desirable enough for us to want to win. He fiddled with a figurine on the mantel. Marriage is not something either of us cares for at this time. I would rather build ships and you would rather ride them. He turned and sipped his drink as he watched a few more young ladies enter the dining area. Some of the choices are barely out of the schoolroom.

Jeremiah nodded and a twinkle entered his eyes. True, but they will be less demanding than an older woman. He winked at his cousin. Okay, we can make it a challenge to lose and the loser wins the loot?

Ethan thought about his comment for a minute. I believe you have a possible idea. What do you have in mind? Ethan noticed a family of females entering the door and remembered seeing their father at their shipping warehouse a few months ago. Is that Charles Peyton?

Jeremiah scanned the guests speaking to his grandparents. I believe it is. I did not realize he had a pack of daughters at home. The ladies in question varied in height and looks, but were fashionable. They are quite pretty, so they must be spoken for already. You know the gorgeous ones are claimed at a young age.

Ethan nodded and turned back to his cousin. So, about this wager, should we set a time frame to stay here and not run away upstairs? Ethan felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. He spun on his heel and saw a female staring his way. She was batting her eyes at him and Ethan groaned. We must remain until the second hour? That seems painful enough to earn a reward. He rubbed the odd feeling from his neck.

Jeremiah chuckled when he saw Ethan cringe. Especially when you have the nauseating Miss Effingham surveying your body inch by inch very slowly. He bit his lip. Oh my, look at her lick her lips as if you were her personal tasty morsel. He smothered his laughter when Ethan landed an elbow into his stomach. Okay, so the cousin that leaves the party last wins, but both of us must stay at least two hours or grandmother will hang us.

Ethan stepped away from the mantel and turned to shake hands with Jeremiah. Sounds like a perfect idea, cousin. Can I interest you in a dance with Miss Effingham? He smiled and introduced the bold woman to Jeremiah. Ah, Miss Effingham, it is nice to see you again. If you will excuse me, my grandmother is signaling me. I must go to speak with her. He casually stepped over Jeremiah’s extended foot, which was stuck out in order to trip him, and sauntered over to assist his grandmother. He chuckled and rubbed his hands together with glee. Suddenly the evening did not look so bleak.

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Lily slowly sipped on the red wine being passed around by servants. She studied the other girls in her vicinity. They ranged in age from as young as twelve to possibly twenty five, but it was difficult to tell if the older ones were widows or not. She switched her interest to the men. They were considerably older and it was obvious a few took this party as an opportunity to look for their next wife. Lily shivered. Tonight could be miserable and the worst night of her life unless she developed a new plan. She really did not wish to marry someone too old or with a lot of children. A few of the prominent men in the area were extremely interested in politics. A few were captivated by every detail involving the price of tea, the king’s steep taxes