DEVYN'S DILEMMA

DEVYN'S DILEMMA
Friday, May 1, 2020 by SUSAN G. MATHIS

Categories: Friday's Fiction

PLEASE WELCOME

SUSAN G. MATHIS

FICTION FRIDAY

Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.

Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.

Here's an excerpt to whet your wonder:

The missus reached into a fancy thermometer and wiggled a special release that popped open a door in a panel of the wall.

Devyn put her hands to her chest. “Goodness! However, did the builder create such marvels? I think I shall forever be lost if I don’t get my bearings soon. This is all so befuddling.”

Mrs. VanLeer laughed with her eyes closed, holding her middle. “I know what you mean. But you’ll learn. Now follow me.”

They climbed the circular stairs. Mrs. VanLeer pointed down a foreboding, dimly lit hallway on their right. “This mezzanine level completely surrounds the living room, or the Trophy Room, as the men like to call it. We’ll explore that later.” She turned and led Devyn to a hallway on her left. “Here is where you’ll keep watch through this screen.” The missus stepped aside to reveal a grate through which Devyn could see the large, formal dining room complete with a magnificent marble fireplace. Its warm, walnut-paneled walls and fine, ornate furniture took her breath away.

“Oh my goodness! How marvelous!”

Mrs. VanLeer chuckled. “I so enjoy the response from those who see this little secret for the first time. This is where you’ll be stationed, silently watching the party for any needs that may come up. When you see someone who needs water or, well, anything, you quietly go down to the staff or to the butler’s pantry and let them know.”

Devyn curtsied. “That sounds lovely.”

The housekeeper nodded. “Now I’ll show you one more surprise, the butler’s pantry, and the third set of stairs.” She led her back down the stairs and into the hallway. Here she reached under a light fixture. “There’s a hook here that opens the

passageway door. Use it only when others aren’t around. After all, it’s secret.” Mrs. VanLeer’s eyes twinkled like a little girl’s who just stole a cookie from the cookie jar.

Devyn grinned. “Brice already showed me that but didn’t take me in. I’m beginning to see now.”

Mrs. VanLeer laughed softly. “I know that it’s all rather confusing at first, but you’ll learn your way around the castle soon enough.”

A nervous giggle escaped her. “I do hope so.”

Check out Devyn’s Dilemma, Book 2 of the Thousand Islands Gilded Age series!

Devyn McKenna is forced to work in the Towers on Dark Island, one of the enchanting Thousand Islands. But when Devyn finds herself in service to the wealthy Frederick Bourne family, her life takes an unexpected turn.

Brice McBride is Mr. Bourne’s valet as well as the occasional tour guide and under butler. Brice tries to help the mysterious Devyn find peace and love in her new world, but she can’t seem to stay out of trouble—especially when she’s accused of stealing Bourne’s money for Vanderbilt’s NYC subway expansion.

ABOUT SUSAN G. MATHIS

Susan G Mathis is an award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma and Katelyn’s Choice are available now, and she’s working on book three. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are also available. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books with her husband, Dale, two children's picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her wonderful husband, Dale, and relishes each time she gets to see or Skype with her four granddaughters.

Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/devyns-dilemma

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

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