Debtor’s Daughter by Emma V Leech

In the eye of the beholder…
As a rising star in the art world, Larkin Weston is on a high after a dark period of depression. A love affair gone wrong has given him a mistrust of his own feelings and a desire to stay as far from romantic entanglements as possible. All that matters now is his art, and he is determined to succeed.
What he does not expect is an unwelcome distraction as an engaging brat of a boy called Gideon moves in next door with his family. Four-year-old Giddy is noisy and uproarious, and determined ‘Westie’ is his new best friend. Giddy’s mama, the beautiful Mrs Finchley, is a lovely young widow and at her wits’ end. Upon meeting Mrs Finchley’s stunning younger sister, and her eccentric Aunt Connie, Larkin begins to understand her dilemma.

The sins of the father…
Mrs Madelina Finchley knows what sorrow is. Married two weeks before her husband’s regiment goes to India, she finds herself a widow just two months later. Since then, her adored but irresponsible father has lost everything they own, including their beloved home. Unable to bear the shame, he takes his own life.
Still mourning their devastating loss, the women flee from the new owner of the manor, who believes he has won the incomparable Miss Caroline Merrivale, along with the fixtures and fittings. Hoping to give beautiful Caro the chance to find a husband and secure their futures, Mrs Finchley brings her and their maiden aunt to London.

Shark-infested waters…
When Larkin learns of what has befallen Mrs Finchley and the Misses Merrivale, his inclination to play the hero reasserts itself once more despite his better judgement. After all, one cannot leave three friendless females to face the ton all alone.
Certain that the powerful Montagu family will look favourably upon the ladies’ plight and smooth their path, he makes the introductions but finds himself drawn ever deeper into the lives of his fascinating new neighbours.

Dreams and expectations…
None of Larkin’s new lady friends expect to find love or happiness in the cold and intimidating city, but sometimes fate takes a hand.
It seems that Larkin really can be a hero after all and perhaps this time, everyone will get their happy ever after.