The
Rightful Lord
The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor – Book Three
A Reverse Harem Risqué Romance
Sahara Kelly
Content © Sahara Kelly, 2021
Cover art © Sahara Kelly, 2021
Dedication
This novel comes with an apology to all you wonderful readers who enjoyed the first two books in this series, and wrote me such delightful emails asking when this one was to be released.
The old saying about “best laid plans” held true for this book, to be sure. It’s a year late, and that is completely my fault. Yes, the whole pandemic thing was neither fun, nor conducive to working on anything as complex as this, but I still should have at least made a token effort. I didn’t, and for that I’m truly sorry. I will say that having this many characters involved in relationships isn’t easy, and it does take a lot of time and effort to make sure everyone gets their fair share of “word time”. I hope I’ve come near to attaining that goal, and that you find this story worth the wait.
I’ve had a long and challenging road with Wolfbridge, and yet I have come to love the characters and their adventures. Will there be another Saga of Wolfbridge Manor? I don’t think so. After you have finished this book, you’ll see why.
But then again, one should never say “never” …
Author’s Note
There are some legal terms used in this story; most are a familiar part and parcel of the Regency period, but I did find one that is a little out of the ordinary (and it’s important in several ways). It is “Mortmain”, or Mortua Manus in Latin – literally “dead hand”. It refers to:
“…The inalienable possession of lands or buildings by an ecclesiastical or other corporation. Also the condition of property or other gifts left to a corporation in perpetuity, especially for religious, charitable or public purposes.” Merriam Webster
It’s a real thing which dates back to the early sixteenth century, and is probably still in existence today, but my research didn’t go that far. It guaranteed that a piece of land would remain under the ownership of those who set up the Mortmain, and their heirs. You will learn of its importance to Wolfbridge as you read on.
I’ve also introduced mention of Hallowmas as part of the All Hallow’s Eve festivities. It is, of course, better known today as All Saints Day, but for my purposes, the older term worked better, as did the charming tradition of dousing the fires and relighting them to mark the passing and resurrection of loved ones into the light. It also symbolized the preparation for the long winter to come. A nice little ceremony for the folks living at Wolfbridge to enjoy.
PLEASE NOTE: This book is the third and final story of Wolfbridge Manor and its residents. Your enjoyment will be enhanced by reading Books One and Two first, since most of the characters are introduced in those volumes.
Part of the letter written by Aphrodite,
first Lady of Wolfbridge, to her successors...
“To thee, dear lady, who now hath attained the title of Lady of Wolfbridge, I send greetings.
Thou doubtless now find thyself much at ease within these walls, tended by the gentlemen selected for their roles with great acuity and deliberation. Thou willst have learned to love Wolfbridge as did I, and also to love these gentlemen who care for naught but thy happiness. Such is their desire to serve, thou shouldst allow liberties and chances for them to show many affections for thy person. For thus are they rewarded for their constancy.
Choose not one too soon, dear friend, but explore each as a new treasure, and with the eagerness of a pirate seeking gold. Let thy heart be thy guide. Love knoweth no bounds, or restrictions to a single mate if more than one catches thine eye. I shall speak no more of this since thy heart must perchance already be of warm disposition toward thy gentlemen. I ask only thou accept such attentions and derive thy pleasure vastly. Wolfbridge shall demand no less than complete and utter devotion to the happiness of all who reside within. …”
Prologue
Journal of Gwyneth, Dowager Countess, Lady of Wolfbridge - August 1818
I scarce know how to begin this entry, in light of the shocking events that occurred earlier today.
Even though I am alone, having come to the parlour to catch my breath and restore my energies, I am struggling to find the right words.
At this moment, in the room over the barn, my gentlemen are tending to a terribly injured young woman. Miss Susanna Brockford arrived this morning, but not of her own volition.
She was thrown—literally thrown—from a carriage, bundled up in an old blanket and discarded much like yesterday’s rubbish.
Upon removing her wrappings, her condition was revealed to our shocked gaze.
All of us were there; Gabriel and I had been busy with our plantings, but I must have screamed, for within seconds Evan, Jeremy and Royce were at our side, helping us. Jeremy immediately recognised her and whitened most frighteningly.
The bruises. Oh, such terrible bruises discolouring the poor woman’s features. She was unconscious, and for that I am grateful, since Royce had to carry her to the barn and I cannot but help believe such an action would have caused her dreadful agony should she have been awake to experience it.
We knew that taking her to the room over our barn, Trick’s former nest, was the only option, since the laws of Wolfbridge forbid any other single woman spending a night in Wolfbridge itself. However, all the conveniences are there, and she is as comfortable as she would be in one of the Manor bedchambers.
Royce took control immediately, since his experiences fighting in Europe bestowed him with the medical knowledge needed at this
