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    The Price Of Love: The Legacy Series, #3
    The Price Of Love: The Legacy Series, #3
    The Price Of Love: The Legacy Series, #3
    Ebook369 pages6 hours

    The Price Of Love: The Legacy Series, #3

    By Vicki Hopkins

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    About this ebook

    The Legacy Series family saga continues into the Edwardian era. Each character has paid the price for innocence and deception. Now discover the price paid for love.

    At the age of eighteen, Angelique Jolene von Lamberg felt secure in life. After all, her stepfather was an Austrian count, and she inherited his wealth and the title of komtesse. But when a letter arrives claiming she was kidnapped as a baby, suddenly everything changes. Unable to dismiss the accusations, she embarks on a journey to London and Paris to seek out the truth. When she discovers that her life has been played like a pawn in a chess game of deceit, adultery, and vengeance, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

    Will she continue to be the victim of the price of love, or will she become the only person able to heal a broken family from the pain of the past?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherVicki Hopkins
    Release dateOct 18, 2013
    ISBN9780988573819
    The Price Of Love: The Legacy Series, #3
    Author

    Vicki Hopkins

    Vicki started her writing career somewhat late in life, but can attest to the fact that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Her debut novel was released in 2009, and six books later and another on the way, she doesn't think she will stop any time soon. She is an award-winning and best selling author in historical sagas/historical romance.​With Russian blood on her father's side and English on her mother's, she blames her ancestors for the lethal combination in her genes that influence her stories. Tragedy and drama might be found between her pages, but she eventually gives her readers a happy ending.She lives in the beautiful, but rainy, Pacific Northwest with a pesky cat who refuses to let her sleep in. Her hobbies include researching her English ancestry, traveling to England when she can afford it, and plotting her next book.

    Read more from Vicki Hopkins

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      Book preview

      The Price Of Love - Vicki Hopkins

      Prologue

      Confession is Good for the Soul

      Lillian Goddard stood at the foot of the bed watching the doctor as he listened to her sister’s labored breathing. He rose from his hovered position and shook his head.

      I’m afraid she is no better. Her lungs are filled with fluid, and the fever has not broken. He spoke compassionately. Madame, you must prepare yourself for the inevitable. Your sister is at death’s door.

      Lillian’s lower lip quivered as she watched Dorcas labor for each breath. She’s been delirious, doctor, mumbling on and on about a baby.

      What baby?

      I’m not sure, she answered, wringing her hands together. It’s been very strange.

      The doctor returned his medical instruments to his black leather case and snapped it shut. A high fever will make the gravely ill delirious. Try to give her enough fluids to drink and make her comfortable. I’ll check back in the morning.

      Lillian escorted the physician to the door, giving him a parting word of thanks before returning to her sister’s bedside. Each laborious breath broke her heart. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked lovingly into Dorcas’ pale and sweaty face. Dorcas, I’m here, she whispered.

      Her hand brushed a matted strand of wet hair from her sister’s brow. Then to her surprise, Dorcas reached up and clutched her wrist. Her eyelids fluttered, and she gasped.

      I must tell him.

      Tell who, dear? Lillian clutched her sister’s hand and squeezed it tight.

      Monsieur Moreau.

      I don’t understand. She leaned forward in order to hear her muffled voice. Who is Monsieur Moreau?

      Write...write this down...before I die. I must confess, she exclaimed in desperation.

      Her voice rose to near hysteria. A fitful attack of coughing silenced her sister’s voice. After it passed, she lifted her index finger and pointed to the other side of the room.

      Over there...open the drawer, she said, looking at the dresser.

      Lillian rose and stood before the furniture piece. Which drawer, Dorcas? she asked, looking at the four closed drawers.

      The top...

      Dorcas gasped for a breath again. Lillian halted, stunned to hear her sister’s lungs gurgling in her chest.

      Please hurry, Dorcas implored.

      She pulled open the drawer and rifled through its contents. At the bottom, a tattered, leather booklet lay hidden beneath her undergarments.

      Is this what you’re talking about? She pulled the book out and held it up.

      Yes. Bring it here.

      Lillian returned to the bedside and sat down. Dorcas placed her hand on the cover over the embossed word Diary. Tears filled her sister’s swollen eyelids.

      Angelique...her name is Angelique Jolene von Lamberg.

      Still confused, Lillian cocked her head as she listened. Who is Angelique?

      The daughter of my mistress, she began. But...but she is not her daughter.

      Even more confused, Lillian thought the fever that racked her sister’s body had taken over her senses. I don’t understand what you mean, Dorcas. You are ill, and your mind is playing tricks on you.

      No, no tricks, she began to weep. Dorcas’ face contorted into a mixture of sorrow and fear. Kidnapped—she took the child from her rightful mother and father.

      Who took her?

      The duchess—I mean the countess.

      Duchess—countess—who are you talking about, Dorcas? You are making no sense whatsoever. Lillian raised her voice in frustration exasperated about her sister’s babbling.

      The Duchess of Surrey, Jacquelyn Holland.

      But wasn’t your last mistress Countess von Lamberg?

      No. Dorcas’ voice choked. She was the same lady I served for many years, the duchess.

      A coughing spree silenced her sister again. Lillian set the diary on the nightstand and took Dorcas’ hand to give her strength. Distraught over the painful and violent heaving of the congestion that threatened to drown her life, she closed her eyes and prayed. Dearest Lord, have mercy upon her in this hour of suffering.

      Lillian took a damp washcloth and wiped her sister’s fevered brow one more time. None of her comments made sense. Surely, she had been confused over her former mistress.

      Now, calm yourself, Dorcas. You are making yourself worse bringing up memories of the past. No more talk of kidnapping.

      I must ask forgiveness and tell Monsieur Moreau and...

      And who else?

      His wife... A desperate look filled her eyes. A priest...I need a priest, Lillian, please, she begged. I must confess my sins.

      Lillian didn’t know whether to believe or scoff at her sister’s ranting. None of it made sense. Why didn’t you say something before, Dorcas?

      Afraid...I was afraid of prison because I helped. Her eyes fluttered. Dorcas opened her lips once more. Read my diary. All is revealed within. She heaved a gurgling sigh and closed her eyes exhausted.

      Lillian picked up the diary that she had set on the nightstand and looked closely at the tattered book. A fragile binding held a collection of wrinkled and torn pages. She flipped to the first and noted the date July 7, 1876 - Diary of Dorcas Kirby. The entry spoke of her new position as lady’s maid to Jacquelyn Spencer. Upon a quick glance of the remaining contents, it appeared that Dorcas had recorded years of service.

      Her attention had been taken away from her sister for a few minutes until she realized she no longer heard raspy breaths. Dorcas!

      Lillian dropped the diary to the floor and embraced her sister. There had been no time to fetch a priest for confession. Dear God have mercy on her soul, she cried, weeping over her body.

      After a few minutes of intense tears, Lillian rose from the bed and lifted the sheet over her sister’s face unable to bear the sight. Be at peace, Dorcas. Her lip quivered. As she stared at the shroud, Lillian knew in her heart that no rest would come to her sister’s purgatorial soul until she discovered the secrets hidden in the tattered diary.

      Lillian picked up the book from the floor and traced the embossed, fading word Diary with her index finger. As she flipped through the pages, an envelope dropped to her feet. Lillian recognized her sister’s penmanship. She picked it up and saw that it had been addressed to Lady Angelique Jolene von Lamberg in Vienna. The unsealed envelope beckoned her to read its secrets. After unfolding the paper, she noted the date. It had been penned a week ago, about the time she fell ill. Unable to leave its contents a private matter between her and the addressee, she read the letter.

      Angelique,

      I doubt that you will remember me. You were only three years old when your mother passed away, and I left her employment. My conscience is burdened, and I am compelled to write this letter. You may not believe my words, but at least I will know that I have confessed my complicity in a grievous and sinful act.

      The woman you knew as Jacquelyn Bennett, your supposed mother, had not been whom she claimed to be. Her identity and marriage to your stepfather had been perpetrated in deceit and lies. You see, I served your mother as her lady’s maid for many years and had been well acquainted with her true identity—she was the Duchess of Surrey, Jacquelyn Spencer-Holland. In a moment of deep hurt, she kidnapped you from your father and mother and fled to Austria. I helped her to accomplish that awful deed. We boarded a train never to be heard from or found again. Her broken heart drove her to desperation.

      Years earlier, my mistress had wed Lord Robert Holland of Surrey, England. For years, she bore the shame and heartache of being barren. I shared her sorrow every month. During this time, unbeknownst to her, his lordship had a Parisian mistress. His lover was your mother, Suzette Rousseau.

      When she became pregnant with his son, she returned to Paris and married a man by the name of Philippe Moreau. Five years later, you were born of that union, and they named you Angelique.  Jacquelyn gave you the name of Jolene.

      It is during this time that much happened between all involved. Another adulterous affair ensued between your mother and Robert Holland. My mistress had been terribly hurt when she discovered her husband’s unfaithfulness. An opportunity presented itself to ease her pain by bringing about her revenge upon all involved.

      At the age of three months, your father entrusted your care into her hands for a short period. Her promise was to keep you for a day, but instead she kidnapped you from your mother and father. To my disgrace, I helped her because of my loyalty to my mistress.

      I have no doubt, even though she committed a horrible wrong, that she loved you very much. She married your stepfather and finally experienced a happy marriage to replace the sorrows of the past.

      I tell you this now to clear my conscience because I fear death and judgment. Perhaps I should have spoken the truth after your mother died, but I was a coward running from lawful punishment for my participation. Now, I fear the judgment of God and beg for His mercy and your forgiveness.

      In closing, I encourage you to seek out those who grieve over your loss. They have every right to know of the outcome of that terrible act and that you are alive and well.  

      Your humble servant, Dorcas Kirby

      When she had reached her closing lines, the tears upon Lillian’s face dropped onto the envelope. She brushed them off, careful not to smear the inked address. With a sorrowful face, she looked at her sister’s motionless body underneath the sheet. Loyalty had been a strong trait in Dorcas, which apparently held resilient regardless of her employer’s actions.

      Carefully, she folded the letter and inserted it back into the envelope. She would seal and post it after her sister’s funeral, in hopes that the person to whom it was addressed would read its contents. It would fulfill Dorcas’ last wishes. Her confession would be spoken. Whether the young woman would believe or forgive, Lillian had to leave in the hands of the Almighty.

      As far as the diary, it held too many secrets of Dorcas’ life to ignore. Lillian wanted to know them all, and she determined to read every word. When finished with its story, she would hide it away for safekeeping should it be needed in the future.

      Chapter 1

      Vienna 1905 - A Buried Past

      Angelique Jolene von Lamberg tightened the black, wool scarf about her neck. The interior of the coach on a late snowy March day chilled her to the bone. Only a few days ago the temperatures had risen above freezing, melting the remaining winter snow. As if teased by Mother Nature that spring had arrived, she brusquely plunged Vienna into another wintery blast.

      The carriage rolled slowly along the snow-covered streets while motorcars passed on their left. Jolene smiled in fascination at the new mode of transportation she had not had the opportunity to enjoy. Secretly, she wished her stepfather would have wanted the modern invention and purchased a new brass carriage, but he never felt inclined to do so.

      It would snow today. Her companion complained through chattering teeth. Could the day be more miserable than this?

      Her poor elderly aunt sat huddled in the corner, wrapped in a blanket about her legs for warmth. I am as disappointed as you, Auntie, Jolene replied. She tucked the woven cloth close to her aunt’s body.

      We should have had the solicitor come to the estate, Jolene. I’ll catch my death from this cold.

      I’m so sorry for insisting that we go out. It’s so dreary and lonely in that huge house without father. Her brow furrowed over the thought of his death. I thought the fresh air would do us good.

      Good? We shall be frozen by the time we reach the solicitor’s office. Geraldine continued to whine.

      Now, now, Auntie, it’s not that bad, Jolene said soothingly. She reached over and patted her aunt’s arm. We’ll be there before we know it.

      Her grumpy aunt peered out the window, and Jolene turned her head away to glance out the other. It had been a difficult few months. Lung cancer swiftly took her stepfather’s life. The strong man that she once knew withered into a weak frame of skin and bones. As a loving daughter, she attended to his needs, spoke of her love and devotion, and then finally buried him a week ago.

      To add to the stressful situation, a letter had arrived in the post only weeks before that had turned her life upside down. Anger and confusion over such a ludicrous message had morphed into confusion and speculation about her identity. It could not have come at a worse time in her life. Instead of taking regard to its contents, she had shoved the letter into a drawer and overlooked it until today. Frankly, she had neither time nor spirit to give it much thought.

      After arriving from Berlin for the funeral, her aunt had insisted on remaining until all matters regarding her brother’s estate had closed. Even though her aunt lived in Berlin with her husband, Geraldine had been the matriarch of the von Lamberg family. She cared for her brother’s welfare when he became a widower. When he adopted Jolene as his daughter, her aunt wholeheartedly received her as a von Lamberg. In fact, her aunt had been the only female influence in her life since the death of her mother. Jolene relied upon her for wisdom and guidance.

      As she grew into a young girl, she dispensed with the name of Angelique, complaining that it sounded too French. With a strong surname of von Lamberg, Jolene exuded the essence of her character. When she turned thirteen, her stepfather and aunt indulged her choice and ceased calling her Angelique. Though it remained her given legal name, no one spoke it for the past five years.

      We are almost there, and the driver is slowing, Jolene announced, pointing out the window at the beige building approaching in the distance.

      Well, it’s about time, her aunt sputtered with blue lips. I’m frozen to the bone.

      The driver opened the carriage door and helped her aunt out onto the snowy sidewalk. Jolene followed close behind. The icy pavement made it difficult for their shoes to grip the walkway underneath. Afraid that her frail aunt would tumble, she grabbed her sleeve.

      Give me your arm, Auntie, Jolene insisted. She glanced at the driver. Please wait here, this shouldn’t take long.

      He nodded at her request and then huddled underneath the overhang of the front entrance to escape the frozen wonderland of fluffy flakes.

      Jolene stomped her feet on the carpet inside the doorway of the solicitor’s office, and her aunt followed suit.

      Horrible weather. Just dreadful, her aunt grumbled, brushing the snowflakes off her coat.

      Here, let me help you. Jolene flicked off the residue from her red fox collar.

      Komtesse, welcome. May I take your coats? The clerk greeted them with a friendly but professional smile.

      Not mine, Geraldine barked.

      No, that’s fine, Jolene said. I’ll keep mine on as well.

      Very well, then. Please come in and take a seat, and I will let Herr Wilhelm know that you have arrived.

      Thank you. Jolene escorted her aunt over to a nearby seat. Sit down, Auntie, she instructed, helping her into a wingback chair. She stood by her side and thought about the strangeness of her new position.

      It sounds so peculiar when I am addressed as komtesse, she mused aloud.

      The eyes of her aunt twinkled. You should get used to it, my dear, for you now hold the title passed onto you from the count. Until you are married, of course, you are komtesse. Once you wed, you shall be a countess and whatever married name you acquire. It is an honor that your father wished you would carry with pride.

      Jolene pondered the responsibilities she had unexpectedly inherited, as well as the wealth and prestige that now belonged to her at the young age of eighteen. There were moments in which she felt well prepared due to her stepfather’s instruction. On the other hand, she also entertained periods of doubt when her confidence waned. She felt like an inadequate orphan entrusted with a task that had far exceeded her capabilities.

      Herr Wilhelm will see you now.

      Let me help you, Jolene said, reaching out and taking her aunt’s hand. Jolene gave her a little pull to her feet aware of her arthritic knees. She held her aunt’s arm to give her stability as they entered the office.

      Komtesse, you should have let me come to the estate. Herr Wilhelm stepped forward to greet their arrival.

      Jolene glanced through the tall window overlooking the street. The snow continued to fall in steady streams of white fluff. It’s no bother, Herr Wilhelm, Jolene said, smiling demurely at him. I desired a bit of fresh air. But who would have known the storm would be so severe?

      I told her you should have come, her aunt grumbled. She scurried over to the chair by the fireplace. At least it is warm here, she said, turning her face into the heat of the flames.

      Warm yourselves, he encouraged. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee before the reading?

      Hot tea sounds appealing, Jolene replied. Auntie, would you like a cup as well?

      Yes, tea, please, she replied, rubbing her gloved hands together.

      Very well then, my clerk shall have that for you momentarily. Herr Wilhelm called to his assistant giving him orders to make a hot brew. Afterward, he sat down behind his desk.

      Jolene positioned herself in front of him upon an empty leather chair. She noted the look in his down-turned eyes expressing empathy for her current state of affairs. Nonetheless, she wished to assure him that regardless of her situation she had handled her grief with a mature inner strength.

      After all, she had braced herself well before her stepfather’s death. In their last days together, they had intimate and candid conversations regarding their love for one another. The count expressed his pride in her as a young woman and confidence that she would continue with honor the von Lamberg family name in his absence.

      I am coping, Herr Wilhelm, she said, sensing his hesitancy to inquire. The funeral is over, and we buried father with the honor he deserved. Jolene lowered her eyes to the papers on the desk. I am only anxious about my future.

      Well, you should not be, he said. The solicitor placed the palm of his hand on top of the folded document lying on the center of his desk.

      But I am adopted, Jolene added with a crease of her brow. After all, she was not a blood relative of the von Lamberg family, and it sowed seeds of insecurity about her position.

      Your father did everything legally, I can assure you.

      Are you certain?

      Absolutely. Since he had no living heir, the count petitioned the Emperor to adopt you into the von Lamberg family. Herr Wilhelm clasped his hands together and leaned forward. You, young lady, have the Sovereign’s approval to inherit not only your father’s estate and wealth but his title as well.

      The clerk entered with two cups of steaming tea upon a wooden tray, offering each of them the hot brew.

      Oh thank you, kind sir. Geraldine replied. She took the cup and saucer and lifted the hot liquid to her lips. Oh, just what I needed, she moaned.

      Well then, shall we proceed with the reading? Herr Wilhelm looked at Jolene for confirmation.

      Yes, by all means, Jolene replied. Her focus remained on the papers beneath his hands.

      Herr Wilhelm placed his reading glasses on the bridge of his nose. This is the Last Will and Testament of Count Eduard Karl von Lamberg of Vienna, Austria, he began. He cleared his throat and lifted his eyes to Jolene.

      I’m listening, she told him as if he needed reassurance.

      I, Eduard Karl von Lamberg, hereby bequeath to my daughter, Angelique Jolene von Lamberg, my estate in its entirety. If I should die before my daughter attains the age of twenty-one, I request that one-fourth of my estate be given to her forthright, managed by my appointed executor. The remaining three-fourths shall be held in trust until her twenty-first birthday, with the exception of my lands, residences, and her mother’s jewels, which I immediately bequeath to her in their entirety for her use and benefit.

      Herr Wilhelm stopped and raised his eyes to look at Jolene. He had left everything to her. She turned her head and glanced warily at her Aunt Geraldine, who displayed a satisfied smile.

      I’m sorry, Jolene said, feeling the need to apologize. Her father had left nothing of his fortune to his sister.

      You have nothing to be sorry for, my dear. I knew of the contents of your father’s will before his death. We had discussed his wishes in considerable detail. Besides, I am a rich old lady as it is. I do not need my late brother’s fortune.

      But you are his sister. Jolene felt the need to protest once more.

      This is your heritage, not mine. Her aunt replied with conviction.

      Jolene felt as if she should weep over his generosity, but she did not. Instead, she carried an undeserving guilt. After all, she was not the natural blood daughter of Eduard von Lamberg. Yes, he had been the only father she knew. Vague memories remained of her mother, when at the age of three, she tossed a rose upon her coffin.

      You are one of the richest women in Vienna, her solicitor spoke. But I would give you a word of caution as the executor of your father’s estate. Herr Wilhelm cleared his throat once more and leaned forward.

      And what would that be? She cocked her head to the right waiting for his cautionary words.

      You should be careful with potential suitors, who may look to you as a means for riches.

      Instantly, her aunt agreed. Herr Wilhelm is absolutely right. Jolene, you must use caution. Men can have ulterior motives.

      Jolene smiled, thinking the advice overly vigilant. Had they thought she possessed some weakness in this area of her character? In her mind, no one could ever deceive her heart. I doubt very much that any man will trick me into marrying me for my money. Nevertheless, I thank you for the advice. Jolene did not want to sound impolite.

      Herr Wilhelm appeared satisfied with her response and leaned back in his chair. Good then, he began in a businesslike prose. I need your signature upon these papers to open an account at the bank where I will deposit your inheritance. Since you are eighteen years of age, I shall release one-fourth of your father’s funds and place the remaining three-fourths in trust until you have obtained the age of twenty-one.

      He handed her a pen and Jolene perused the documents.

      Where do I sign? Jolene asked, leaning toward the solicitor’s desk.

      Here on this line, he pointed.

      Jolene penned her name boldly. A broad smile spread across her face at the thought of the future.

      I shall draw up the necessary deeds to have the residence and property immediately transferred into your name, he added.

      Jolene’s thoughts were elsewhere as she finished signing her name. I am going to travel, she announced. I have never left Austria, and it is time to see the world.

      Alone? Her aunt sounded like a parrot squawking.

      Yes alone. I’ll bring my attendant with me, of course.

      Herr Wilhelm scowled. I agree with your aunt that a woman traveling alone, especially at your age, is unwise.

      Where will you go? Her aunt demanded in an abrupt voice.

      I’ve always wanted to visit Paris and London, she responded nonchalantly.

      I don’t think your father would approve, Geraldine replied.

      Jolene set the pen on the solicitor’s desk and turned toward her aunt. Father protected me far too much, Auntie. After mother’s death, he sheltered me for fear of losing another family member. He would never let me go anywhere unescorted or barely leave the city. I have spent the majority of my life schooled and housed behind closed doors.

      I agree he was an attentive and protective father. Nevertheless, he had his reasons, her aunt said, defending her brother’s actions.

      Well, I no longer need protection, she said. Agitated, she rose to her feet in protest. I’d like to leave within a week, Herr Wilhelm. Will you please obtain cheques from the bank that I may use for my travel and a fair amount of crowns for my purse?

      Yes, of course. As you wish, Lady von Lamberg, he relented with a disagreeable tone.

      The time had come to discuss the other topic that lay buried in the bottom of her purse. Auntie, I need a private consultation with Herr Wilhelm. Would you excuse us for a moment?

      Her request sounded strange as both of them glanced at her wide-eyed. Her aunt flashed a look at the solicitor and back at Jolene. She rose to her feet grimacing over the pain in her knees.

      Of course, she said, shuffling her way to the door. I’ll wait in the lobby.

      Jolene paused until the door closed and then sat back down in front of Herr Wilhelm. The irritation over the letter that threatened to turn her world upside down loomed to the forefront of her mind.

      Herr Wilhelm, I need your assurance that my inheritance and title can never be taken from me. She paused, clutching her hands together. Am I truly adopted in the eyes of the law as the daughter of Count von Lamberg?

      Herr Wilhelm leaned back in his chair and looked at Jolene with a befuddled expression. Yes, you may be assured. In fact, I have your adoption papers here in my safekeeping, signed by Franz Joseph himself. Do you wish to see them?

      That will not be necessary, she said. I would, however, like the papers delivered into my hand upon my twenty-first birthday.

      That can be arranged, after the disbursement of the remainder of the inheritance.

      Thank you, she said, creasing her brow and still struggling with doubt.

      Why, might I ask, do you inquire of me in private regarding this matter?

      Jolene bit her lower lip. She opened the clasp to her purse and pulled out the letter. What I am about to show you, Herr Wilhelm, shall not leave this office. She held the letter up for him to see. Swear to me on your honor before I hand this over, she sternly implored.

      You have my word, of course, he replied, clearly concerned over the appeal.

      Then I shall tell you why, and I would sincerely appreciate your advice.

      Jolene leaned forward and laid the letter before him. I received this in the post about a month before father passed away. She stared at the paper, sanctioning her own distrust in the contents. It shocked me, and I purposely kept it from father for fear that it would upset him.

      He reached across the desk and took the envelope. Without examining the address, he pulled out the correspondence. After adjusting his spectacles on the bridge of his nose, he read the contents. A minute later, his eyes bulged, and his nostrils flared.

      Good Lord in heaven above, his voice boomed like a clap of thunder. Who is this woman that pens these accusations? Do you know her?

      Almost jumping out of her chair over his reaction, she answered. "No, I do not. I have no recollection

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