ENGLAND, 1780s

Rebecca Miller's idyllic childhood ends abruptly. Death, inheritance and a sudden, startling betrothal transform her future. Brought up to be independent, she is thrust into a world where she has no say in what may befall her.

What can be the secret of the bankrupt Somerville estate? Why does the Earl of Marshwood, a rich, ageing rake, want to marry her in such a rush?

'Heiress of Somerville' introduces the feisty, active girl who will grow into the determined, daring young woman she is to become.

Rebecca would have gone to sea with her father but at 14 her aunty feels it's better she stays - Rebecca now part of her aunt's family since the death of her own mother when she was little. And her aunty's shock announcement that she's expecting a baby is further reason to stay.

But one night tragedy occurs and once more Rebecca's life changes. Brought up by a radical uncle who believes girls have just as much right to learning as boys, she is an unusual young woman in this age.

Another shock awaits: Rebecca's father is heir to the bankrupt Somerville estate. But fearing for his children's future in a society where his radical views create suspicion, her uncle takes them to the new United States where 'free men may be free', leaving Rebecca in the care of a local worthy to await her father's return.

Life changes again. Then the news arrives that her father has died at sea, and Rebecca inherits. And an estate - even a bankrupt one - makes her highly eligible for marriage. News of the Somerville heiress alerts none other than the Earl of Marshwood, a wealthy rake three times her age. Why is this cold, arrogant man in such an obsessed rush to marry a penniless orphan?

Then her betrothed casually mentions she's the winnings of a bet. How can that be? Whatever might be the appeal of the Somerville estate for a man such as Marshwood?

Rebecca faces a hopeless and terrifying future. Somehow and from somewhere she must garner the resolve and means to fight her fate and become the woman she is determined to become.

This is a prequel to the Somerville Trilogy, which tells the rest of Rebecca's story.

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