Emilia’s Folly – The Children of Pride and Prejudice Book 1

By Lelia M. Silver

Categories: Pride and Prejudice Continuations, Romance, Historical

Emilia was eight when her uncle and guardian married Mary Bennet. Twelve years later, she is in London with Jane and Charles Bingley to experience a Season in Town when she is unexpectedly thrust into its underworld of deceit and blackmail. Anthony Fairchild will do everything in his power to keep her safe from his stepfather’s machinations, but even he is caught up in the web of lies.

Can Emilia learn to trust Anthony amidst the treachery and embrace a future with him?

Read first chapter

Emilia’s Folly

Lelia M. Silver

Prologue

The flickering firelight in Basil Gilbanks’ dimly lit study reflected off the glint of greed in his beady eyes.

“But Pappa, I want the Duke to dance with me,” Arianna Gilbanks complained, her lower lip extruding in a pout. “I am ten times prettier than that Emilia Wharton. He should be paying his attentions to me, not to a little nobody from the country like her.”

Basil Gilbanks regarded his daughter with a calculating gleam in his eye. The dim glow of the fire bathed her features in its warmth, reflecting off her flaxen locks and delicate features, although they were twisted with jealousy at the moment. She was the spitting image of her deceased mother, the very epitome of a diamond of the first waters. His daughter was going to be the means through which he gained a very wealthy and influential son-in-law, preferably someone who would have a little pull with the crown. Maybe even someone who would get a title bestowed on him. Basil Gilbanks had always wanted a title.

His daughter was the envy of every young lady in Town.

Except for one.

Miss Emilia Wharton, lately of Hertfordshire, had come to stay for the Season with the very well-known and respected Bingleys and she was attracting the kind of attention that rightfully belonged to his daughter. Mr. Gilbanks could not stand by idly and allow that to happen. Something had to be done about it.

“I know, my darling girl. You deserve every attention. And we are going to make sure the Duke of Shrewsbury forgets all about Miss Wharton. Just leave it to your Pappa. I will make sure of it.”

Basil felt a deep sense of satisfaction at the smile that spread over his daughter’s face. She threw her arms around his neck. “I knew I could count on you to get rid of her, Pappa! Tell me, what are you to do?”

Her father shook his head and patted her on the shoulder. “Do not you worry your pretty little head about that, sweetheart. I have it all under control.”

She pouted a little that he would withhold the information from her, but she did not truly mind. She was far too pleased to know her rival would be out of the way.

She stood, her problem resolved. “Very well, Pappa, but I want her really and truly taken care of, or I shall be very, very angry.”

Basil chuckled at her threats and lifted his cheek for the kiss she bestowed upon it. “Of course, my dear. Now, run along so your dear Pappa may take care of it.”

He watched her go fondly, the door clanging shut behind her. He rose and strode to his desk, pulling out his pen and ink and writing a brief note. Upon its completion, he tugged on the bell-pull and waited for the butler to appear in the doorway.

“You rang, sir?”

“Ah, yes, Smoot. Please have this delivered to my stepson at his lodgings. He is to see me at his earliest convenience. I wish for you to make sure the urgency of his response is conveyed to him in the most certain of terms, Smoot, if you take my meaning.”

“Of course, Mr. Gilbanks. As you wish.” The butler bowed stiffly and left him to see to his wishes.

Basil leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him and resting his chin on his fingers. He smirked, properly pleased with himself.

Emilia Wharton did not stand a chance. He would see her sent back into oblivion if it was the last thing he did.

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Author’s Note: Olympia was originally only meant to be a minor side character in this book, but she became so much more as the book progressed that I knew she and John had a story of their own that needed told.

Lelia M. Silver