WF: Waiting Forever

Characters

Robert Middleton, Duke of Wellingshire (b. 1835).........................male protagonist

Rebecca MacVaughan, (b. 1845)..............................................female protagonist

Annabella Wordsworth (b. 1844).............................................Rebecca’s best friend

Stephen Ashmore, Marquess of Rutherford (b. 1837).....................Robert’s acquaintance

Derek Chancy (b. 1840)......................................................Rebecca’s first love

William MacVaughan, (b. 1818) ………………………………………..…....………Rebecca’s father

Elena MacVaughan, (b. 1824 d. 1854) …………………………………….....…..Rebecca’s mother

Raphael MacVaughan, (b. 1848) …………………………………………….......….Rebecca’s brother

William Fairfax, late seventh Earl of Billmore (b. 1790 d. 1849)......…...Elena’s father

Brighton Fairfax, eighth Earl of Billmore (b. 1820)………………………..Elena’s brother

Mary Fairfax, Countess of Billmore (b. 1823………………………………….……Brighton’s wife

Margaret Windmere, Duchess of Yvonne (b. 1820) ..........................Elena’s friend

Estates

Billmore House (1850s-1860s)

Wordsworth Manor (1850s-1860s)

Wordsworth Townhouse (1862-1866)

Wellingshire Estate (1863)

Wellingshire Townhouse (1866)

Abstract

Rebecca MacVaughan’s bright & vivacious personality coupled with her stunning good looks makes her a “Diamond of the first waters”, an Incomparable in the eyes of the ton in her very first season. However a broken heart and three and a half years later, she is a more mature lady trying to mend bridges & hearts she has broken. But her former suitor, Robert Middleton, the Duke of Wellingshire who had once claimed to be waiting forever for her, proves to be elusive and relentless and ignores all efforts of an apology from Becca.

Three years ago Becca had rejected Robert’s suit. Three years ago Robert was a penniless Duke but today he has recreated the past glory of his ancestors. Now Becca wants to get in touch with him once again. Robert wonders if it is his money which is luring her this time. Was she that fickle always? But it does not matter to Robert, as he is done waiting forever.

Will Becca be able to get Robert’s forgiveness? Will Robert be able to leave past hurts behind? Will they be able to find love again? Will it be with each other? Or has Robert found someone else? Or is he still waiting forever?

Storyline

Rebecca MacVaughan is the only daughter of Laird MacVaughan, the laird of the biggest clan in Scotland. Becca’s mother – Elena had already died. Elena was an English lady, the daughter of the Earl of Billmore. The Laird finding it difficult to teach his only daughter the makings of a woman, sends her to England to be brought up amongst her cousins in her maternal uncle’s household, the current Earl of Billmore. Becca here becomes friends with Lady Annabella Wordsworth, the daughter of the Earl of Montague from the neighbouring estate. Becca grows up to be a fiery young lady, a diamond of the first waters, an Incomparable, with numerable suitors. Anna is more quiet and inclined towards her books and prefers to stay in the shadow of her vivacious friend Becca. She turns out to be a wallflower.

Robert Middleton, Duke of Wellingshire falls for Becca – head over heels. But his estate is dwindling, large staggering sums of debt left by his ancestors and a no good feeling towards him by the ton. Becca assumes the worst of him and refuses his advances and his suit at each opportunity. Suddenly Robert disappears without a word after one of their showdowns. Time passes by and after suitor after suitor Becca finally falls in love with Derek Chancy, the Earl of Lovell and gets betrothed to him. She is over the moon. However one day she finds out Derek is having an affair with another woman, Lady Smythe, the widow of the late Earl of Neville. Completely heartbroken, she breaks off the engagement. Her only solace is Annabella who has been with her since childhood. She feels guilt over all her past slights to anyone done in her past. And one of the regrets is for Robert. However, he does not respond to any of her letters or overtures asking for forgiveness. Anna can’t see her best friend so broken hearted and writes a letter to Robert who responds this time. Slowly the misunderstandings clear and all are forgiven. Finally after a passage of time Becca feels comfortable in starting a relationship with Robert, as Robert has been waiting forever...