The Churchyard Betrothal

The dying wish of Lord Herbert Montague to Ralph Rutherford is a plan for uniting their vast estates through the arranged marriage of their young heirs.

Written by "Mrs. Georgie Sheldon" (Sarah Elizabeth Forbush Downs 1843–1926), and copyright 1879, 1891, 1892 by Street and Smith.

Transcribed and edited by Jeffrey Merrow. 39 chapters; 312 pages; 107,500 words.

CONTENTS:

• Chapter I. - The Promise
• Chapter II. - “Oh, God! Not That!”
• Chapter III. - Grasping at a Straw
• Chapter IV. - “I Will be Ready”
• Chapter V. - “You Have Decided?”
• Chapter VI. - “Who Giveth This Woman Away?”
• Chapter VII. - The Flight
• Chapter VIII. - “I Forced Her To It”
• Chapter IX. - “He Shall Succumb! I Swear It!”
• Chapter X. - Miss Gilbert’s History
• Chapter XI. - The Compact
• Chapter XII. - “You Must be a Daughter to Me”
• Chapter XIII. - “She is Not Your Wife”
• Chapter XIV. - “Oh, I Cannot Bear It!”
• Chapter XV. - “She is a Gentlewoman!”
• Chapter XVI. - Alice Finds a Friend
• Chapter XVII. - Adopted
• Chapter XVIII. - Love at First Sight
• Chapter XIX. - The Past Recalled
• Chapter XX. - In the Studio
• Chapter XXI. - Reginald’s Discovery
• Chapter XXII. - An Avowal of Love
• Chapter XXIII. - What Should She Do?
• Chapter XXIV. - An Unexpected Meeting
• Chapter XXV. - “Am I Right or Wrong?”
• Chapter XXVI. - The Work of an Evil Heart
• Chapter XXVII. - The Important Document
• Chapter XXVIII. - Worst Fears Confirmed
• Chapter XXIX. - Was it Over?
• Chapter XXX. - “Because I Hate You!”
• Chapter XXXI. - Another Disappointment
• Chapter XXXII. - “Would you Dare do it?”
• Chapter XXXIII. - A Diabolical Scheme
• Chapter XXXIV. - Reunited
• Chapter XXXV. - Explanations
• Chapter XXXVI. - The Masquerade
• Chapter XXXVII. - The Betrothal Ring
• Chapter XXXVIII. - “Mine At Last, My Darling!”
• Chapter XXXIX. - Coals of Fire