SOMETHING IN THE HEIR - Suzanne Enoch
St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 9781250842527
September 20, 2022
Historical Fiction

England - Nineteenth Century

Emmeline Ramsey will do anything to keep Winnover Hall, the home where she grew up. But the centuries old rule from the original Duke of Welshire demands that the first descendant to marry after Winnover is vacated can live there for five years. If that member produces a child within five years, they can keep Winnover for their lifetime. So, knowing that her cousin, Penelope, is recently engaged, and after Emmie's mother makes it clear that they are vacating Winnover Hall, Emmie proposes to old friend Will Pershing, who, although stunned, agrees to marry her.

Eight years later, eight very productive years for the Pershings as Will has moved up in the world thanks to Emmie's influence with the ton. But everything comes to a screeching halt when Emmie and Will receive word from the Duke of Welshire to appear at his birthday party, along with their children. The problem is that they do not have any offspring. Emmie frantically confesses to Will that she has told the duke that they have two children in order to keep Winnover Hall. She has even given them names and ages. There is only one thing to do, they must find children to take to Welshire!

One minor issue is that Emmie and Will have pretty much gone their own separate ways over the years of their marriage. So, this is a dilemma that is forcing them to work as a team. After an abortive attempt to "borrow" some friends' children, the Pershings approach a London orphanage that Emmie has supported. The nuns are all too happy to recommend a brother and sister, George and Rose Fletcher to loan to them for eight weeks to become Malcolm and Flora Pershing.

George and Rose, despite their young ages, are street savvy, and catch on rather quickly to how important it is for them to "produce" for the Pershings. It's only after Will manages to get the two youngsters to sign an agreement with him and Emmie that they can move forward with their plans. Will it work? Can the old duke and the rest of the family be convinced of this charade?

SOMETHING IN THE HEIR is at times very funny, and also quite sad as readers learn of the Fletcher children's background, not to mention the emotional distance between Emmie and Will in their eight year marriage. Emmie's desperate need to keep her home has jeopardized both their living arrangement and, potentially, their relationship.

A very different premise, but an enjoyable read, don't miss SOMETHING IN THE HEIR.

Jani Brooks