Once an Heiress (Gilded Promises) Read online

  Chapter Seventeen Gigi was grateful she’d chosen a seat next to the center aisle, in the very last pew in the back of the church. If at any moment the service became too much, she could leave without having to disturb the other churchgoers, including Fitz. He stood next to her, holding a hymnal open. Looking at her without quite looking at her, he angled the book until she could see the page. As if on cue, the first strains of organ music wafted through the sanctuary. Although Fitz concentrated on the book, Gigi could feel his attention on her. She couldn’t look at him. His behavior in the carriage had left her reeling. Instead of judging her, he’d offered tremendous sympathy and reassurance, once again proving he was a good and decent man. Gigi should be dancing for joy. She felt nothing but regret. How could she ever measure up to a man like Fitz? He was full of integrity and honor, while she was a fallen woman. His words, and something she must never let herself forget. Unable to re

  Chapter Eighteen Gigi and Fitz had reached a stalemate in their relationship. As she lay in her bed Monday morning, staring up at the ceiling in the gloomy pre-dawn light, she accepted that they would never be more than something between friends and passing acquaintances. Especially if he remained distant, speaking only of business matters. An automobile company, indeed. Her eyes had glazed over as soon as he’d expounded on the virtues of multi-cylinder engines, which Gigi suspected had been the point. She flipped onto her stomach and sighed. She couldn’t help but think Fitz’s reticence to share anything personal was because of her past. He might claim she was Nathanial’s victim, he might even sympathize with her plight, but that didn’t mean he saw her as a potential mate. There’d been no talk of anything beyond friendship, no attempt at another kiss. All the proof Gigi needed that Fitz thought her unworthy of something deeper. At least he’d agreed to let her redeem the pearls on her o

  Chapter Nineteen “What a spectacular piece of driving.” Luke climbed out of his motorcar and, goggles still in place, sauntered over to shake Fitz’s hand. “And may I remind you, gloating is rude and unseemly.” Fitz accepted Luke’s congratulations with a self-satisfied grin. It had been a hard-won race, with Luke almost overtaking him at the finish line. Almost, but not quite. “You’ll get me next time.” “Count on it.” Fitz laughed at the gruff promise. “You always were a fierce competitor.” “Something we have in common.” “Too true.” Barely able to see the other man through all the grime on his own goggles, Fitz shoved them to the back of his head. Luke looked out over the track they’d raced around for the agreed-upon twelve laps. “I noticed how you chose the driving line and followed the same path each lap.” “Actually, it took me a few trips around to pick the best route,” Fitz admitted, looking out over the muddy track, too. “I usually like to walk the course backward to figure out whe

  Chapter Twenty Afraid he would make matters worse if he tried to talk his way out of the debacle he’d created in the Griffins’ parlor, Fitz left Gigi in her friend’s capable hands and returned to his room in the Waldorf-Astoria. He’d done what he could to ensure Brian’s silence. There would be plenty of time to repair the damage. He would seek out Gigi and discuss their next step later tonight or first thing in the morning. For now, Fitz needed to think. To do that properly, he needed privacy. He slammed the door behind him with a bang and yanked open the top drawer of the small writing desk. With swift flicks of his wrist, he laid out several sheets of paper on the desk and began reviewing the notes he’d scribbled after each consultation with the medical experts. Now, with his future at stake, Fitz searched for something, anything, to give him hope. He’d asked each of the doctors if his father’s condition was hereditary. None had been definitive in their answer, but not a single one o

  Chapter Twenty-One Fitz didn’t make it back to New York in time for opening night. Gigi hadn’t held out much hope that he would. Who was she kidding? Of course she’d held out hope. For every hour he was gone, all forty-five and three quarters of them, she’d waited anxiously for his return. He’d sent no word. Not a telegram, not a note by special courier, nothing. His silence hurt. And the longer he stayed away, the more certain she became that he would never return. To make matters worse, Gigi had another, equally troubling situation to deal with. Sophie had disappeared. The young woman had gone missing the same night Fitz had left town. At least Sophie had left word. Nothing more than a hastily scribbled note, but that was better than no communication at all. Now, as Gigi unfolded the piece of parchment paper for what must have been the seventieth time in two days, she admitted the truth to herself. She’d failed Sophie. As surely as if she’d personally helped the young woman escape th

  Chapter Twenty-Two “I’m sorry, Miss Smith. I’m afraid the pearls are no longer in my possession.” Stunned speechless, Gigi blinked at the pawnbroker. She must have misunderstood. He couldn’t have said her great-grandmother’s pearls were gone. “You . . . what?” she croaked. “I sold the necklace.” No, it wasn’t possible. Mr. Ryerson couldn’t be this cruel. “We had an agreement.” The eyes that looked at her were sharp and measuring. “What can I say? The client made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” “But you . . .” Fury surged, prowling through her blood, seeking release like a wild animal straining at its leash. “You put your promise in writing.” Surely, he would honor their agreement. Forcing down her panic, Gigi fumbled inside the velvet satchel on her lap, pulled out the piece of paper, and slid it across the desk. “Ah, yes, that.” He studied the promissory note with a satisfied smirk. “There are only two signatures here, yours and mine. You failed to secure witnesses to our transaction.

  Chapter Twenty-Three Her father had agreed to see her. The thought gave Gigi small comfort as the family’s stiff-backed butler led her to Harcourt Wentworth’s private study on the first floor of Harvest House. “You are to make yourself comfortable.” He opened the door without fully securing eye contact. “Your father will be along shortly.” “Please tell him not to rush on my account. I don’t mind waiting.” “I will relay your message.” He turned to go, then paused and glanced back over his shoulder. His gaze filled with compassion. “If I may be so bold as to say, it’s good to have you home, Miss Gigi.” “Thank you, Joseph. It’s good to be home.” They shared a brief smile before he continued on his way. The moment he disappeared around the corner, Gigi stepped inside the cavernous room. With nerves fluttering in her stomach, she roamed aimlessly. She barely glanced at the masculine décor, hardly noticed the rich wood paneling or bookshelves lining three of the four walls. The only sound sh

  Epilogue The wedding reception lasted two hours. Gigi and Fitz had a train to catch for New York City, where they would spend their wedding night and two additional days. With Calvin Fitzpatrick’s illness, and Gigi still in the early phases of restoring her relationships with her family, neither the bride nor the groom wanted to stay away any longer. Due to the modern convenience of railroads, and Fitz’s newfound penchant for calling in favors, the newlyweds were settled in their suite at the Park Avenue Hotel by the end of the day. While her husband ran a mysterious errand, Gigi stood at the window overlooking the bustling streets below. She watched the sun dip below the horizon, turning a strip of low-riding clouds a kaleidoscope of pinks, purples, and golds. Fitz entered the suite, calling out her name. Gigi glanced over her shoulder. “Yes?” “You will be happy to know I have secured us a private box for the performance tonight.” Her brows shot up. According to the hotel manager, Esm

  Discussion Questions Why is Gigi visiting the pawnshop in Herald Square? What happens during the meeting with the owner that leaves her upset? How long does she have to come up with a solution? What is Gigi hiding from? Why has she changed her name to Sally Smith and taken on the role of lady’s maid? Who is she serving now? Who does Gigi encounter at the Summer Garden Theater? What does his appearance mean? Have you ever had a plan that was thwarted before you could put it into motion? Explain. Describe Fitz and Gigi’s history. How did Fitz find Gigi? Why has he come now? Does his reason for seeking her out change ove
r the course of the book? If so, how? What does Esmeralda want Gigi to do for her concerning her daughter? How does Gigi feel about this? How does Sophie feel? Why does Fitz seek out a medical professional? What comes of this meeting? What happens the first time Gigi asks Fitz to let her return the pearls? What happens the second time she asks? Why has Fitz had a change of

  About the Author Photo © 2012 Caroline Akins / One Six Photography Renee Ryan is the author of over twenty inspirational, faith-based romance novels. She received the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in the Inspirational category for her novels Dangerous Allies and Courting the Enemy. She is an active member on the board of the Romance Writers of America. Ryan currently lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband. For more information on the author and her work, visit www.reneeryan.com.

  Praise for Renee Ryan

  A Touch of Scarlet

  “Renee Ryan’s second book in her Gilded Promises series, with its emotional depth and wonderful sense of time and place, is another thoroughly engaging and sigh-worthy read.”

  —Winnie Griggs, award-winning author of inspirational historical romance

  Journey’s End

  “Utterly charming and not to be forgotten, Journey’s End is Gilded Age delight.”

  —Victoria Alexander, #1 New York Times bestselling author

  “Powerful and inspiring. Journey’s End is a wonderfully rich and rewarding book.”

  —Gerri Russell, bestselling author of Flirting with Felicity

  “Renee Ryan’s heart-tugging story set in New York’s Gilded Age kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime!”

  —Winnie Griggs, award-winning author of inspirational historical romance

  “Ryan’s written a touching story of family, forgiveness, and a forever sort of love.”

  —Holly Jacobs, award-winning author of These Three Words

  The Marriage Agreement, an RT Top Pick

  “Fanny cares for Jonathon deeply, but she won’t marry him without his love. At a crossroads, Jonathon will have to choose whether to walk away or be the man that Fanny believes him to be. The elements of Christian faith are superbly woven into the story, and fans of this delightful series will surely enjoy this sweet tale of forgiveness, hope, and redeeming love.”

  —Susannah Balch, RT Book Reviews

  Hannah’s Beau

  “With book two in her Charity House series, Ryan writes with passion and love, as always. She knows what readers expect and never disappoints.”

  —Patsy Glans, RT Book Reviews

  The Marshal Takes a Bride

  “Don’t miss this wonderful story about redemption and forgiveness. The characters are lovable, and likable, even at times when they’re not nice, and the faith message is interwoven without being overbearing and preachy.”

  —Patsy Glans, RT Book Reviews

  The Outlaw’s Redemption, an RT Top Pick

  “This sixth in the Charity House series is filled with complex characters and many endearing, familiar faces. It’s a fascinating addition to this delightful series.”

  —Susan Mobley, RT Book Reviews

  Dangerous Allies

  “Ryan outdoes herself with this latest offering—a mix of romance, intrigue, and spies. She writes her characters with strong feelings and heart.”

  —Patsy Glans, RT Book Reviews

  Finally a Bride

  “I absolutely love books where the two main characters previously had a relationship that ended badly. Watching them work through past issues and forge a new, stronger relationship is so enjoyable. Garrett and Molly are great characters . . . Watching them open up their hearts and seeing them learn to trust each other was so sweet. Finally a Bride was such a great book and I definitely recommend it to fans of Christian romantic fiction (5 stars).”

  —Britt Reads Fiction

  ALSO BY RENEE RYAN

  Gilded Promises historical romance series

  Journey’s End

  A Touch of Scarlet

  Charity House historical romance series

  The Marshal Takes a Bride

  Hannah’s Beau

  Loving Bella

  The Lawman Claims His Bride

  Charity House Courtship

  The Outlaw’s Redemption

  Finally a Bride

  His Most Suitable Bride

  The Marriage Agreement

  World War II historical series

  Dangerous Allies

  Courting the Enemy

  Village Green contemporary romance series

  Claiming the Doctor’s Heart

  The Doctor’s Christmas Wish

  Stand-alone works

  Heartland Wedding

  Homecoming Hero

  Mistaken Bride

  “New Year’s Date” in A Recipe for Romance

  Wagon Train Proposal

  “Yuletide Lawman” in A Western Christmas

  Stand-In Rancher Daddy

  Published as Renee Halverson

  Extreme Measures

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Text copyright © 2017 by Renee Ryan

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Waterfall Press, Grand Haven, MI

  www.brilliancepublishing.com

  Amazon, the Amazon logo, and Waterfall Press are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

  ISBN-13: 9781542046350

  ISBN-10: 1542046351

  Cover design by Kirk DouPonce, DogEared Design

  To Dee Halverson, for being a loving and supportive mother-in-law. Thank you for sharing your son with me.

  Contents

  Start Reading

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Epilogue

  Discussion Questions

  About the Author

  It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

  Luke 15:32

  Chapter One

  New York City, Herald Square, 1901

  Gigi Wentworth pulled the bulky, oversized cloak tightly around her shoulders and stepped into the early-morning foot traffic. A cold gray mist snaked around the hem of her skirt. The frigid air was a stark reminder that winter would have the city fully in its grip before long.

  Wrapped inside the heavy black wool, Gigi took comfort in her shrouded anonymity. No one would recognize her in the ugly garment. They would certainly never suspect she was the missing daughter from one of the wealthiest families in America.

  That was, of course, the point.

  For nearly a year, Gigi had put forth great effort to create an ordinary, forgettable persona.

  Reaching up, she stuffed an errant strand of faded blonde hair beneath the hood of her cloak.

  She increased her pace, quickly rounding the corner of Thirty-Fourth Street and Sixth Avenue. With no small amount of relief, she spotted the three perfectly round, golden spheres suspended above a weathered awning up ahead. The tim
e-honored symbol beckoned her forward, giving her a glimmer of hope that soon she would be able to go home. Soon, she vowed silently.

  Home.

  The word brought a bittersweet mixture of pleasure and apprehension. A year was a long time to be away from the people she loved. Would her family welcome her return?

  Not if you arrive without the pearls.

  Certainty took hold. The trials of the past eleven months were almost at an end. One final task lay before her.

  Gigi had scraped and saved for this moment, hiding her true identity in a quiet life of servitude. Not by choice. No. She’d been driven by something far more powerful. Shame.

  Shame for what she’d done. For the people she’d hurt. For the pretty lies she’d clung to with willful obstinacy.

  Gigi drew to a stop outside Ryerson’s Pawnbroker Sale Store.

  This was not the first time she’d visited the pawnshop in Herald Square. Assuming everything went according to plan, it would be her last.

  Heart pounding wildly against her ribs, she looked over her shoulder. The eerie sense that she was being followed had her looking right, left, back to the right. No one paid her any attention. Nerves, she told herself. Nothing more.

  She twisted the brass doorknob and all but stumbled into the building. She held perfectly still, waiting until her eyes adjusted to the darkened interior. Once her vision cleared, she scanned her surroundings. She was alone.

  Not for long.

  A skeleton-thin, dark-haired young man materialized from behind a red velvet curtain. Dressed in an ill-fitting suit that hung awkwardly on his skinny frame, he greeted Gigi with a head-to-toe inspection. On the trip back up, his gaze landed on the velvet satchel tucked beneath her arm.

  “You have merchandise to sell?”

  Gigi shook her head. “To redeem.”

  His gaze dropped to the satchel once again. “I assume you have a claim ticket.”