Character Showcase: Ainslie, Dowager Countess of Beaufort

 

She was born, Ainslie Ingram, only child of Lochlan “Lockie” Ingram, Baron of Obergowrie. Raised in a rural environment by her eccentric father and with no mother or governess to guide her, she led an innocent, but solitary life until, at the age of eighteen she endured an arranged marriage to the Earl of Beaufort.

He was a widower, many years her senior, who already had two sons by his first marriage— the eldest of whom is only two years younger than Ainslie. The earl was a strict, cruel man, who believed that his wife was just another of his possessions— part of his estate. And he decided that she had much to learn. She was young and unsophisticated, having never been out in society and living all her life in the country with her inattentive father. But for the Earl of Beaufort this was useful— or so he thought in the beginning— since she was an empty vessel to be filled with his ideas and opinions; to be molded into the sort of wife she should be; the sort of wife he expected. When she dared object or question, his young wife received a stern correction, dealt by the sting of his cane. Just like his sons, or any servant who met with his displeasure.

So when the earl dies, Ainslie’s first emotion is relief. By then she has a daughter of her own, and she intends to raise this girl with all the love, guidance and kindness that she herself never knew. Ainslie also makes it her mission to help her stepsons find their own happiness in life too, and to improve, as much as possible, the lives of those who live and work on the Beaufort estate. As a widow she has a fresh start. For the first time in her life, she is not under the thumb of any man—be it a father, or a husband. And she’s very much enjoying her autonomy. She’s learning to live; learning about her true self. She’s even begun to read, in secret, about something they call “Rights for Women.”

The only problem is, a certain Ramses Deverell— seven years her junior and far too wild for his own good— has taken it into his head to pursue Ainslie. She’s not sure why, or what he hopes to achieve by trying to get under her skin. Or her petticoats. She’s heard about the wagers he and his friends make in regard to seductions, so perhaps she’s just another bet. Whatever he’s up to, it must be mischief and nothing but trouble for her. He’s already trampled her pineapples. What next?

Ainslie wants to lead a respectable life without the slightest rumor to endanger her daughter’s future. She’s always done what she’s told is the right thing. She knows what her place is in the world and what is expected of her. Ainslie’s revolution will not happen overnight. Besides, it’s her daughter’s turn now and her place is in the background.

Apparently, that wicked, scandalous Deverell is slightly insane. Or, perhaps, he simply doesn’t care about rumor and gossip. He has always shown a complete disregard for the rules and a hearty irreverence for the class system. He’s a rebel and incredibly arrogant. It’s easy for him, of course. He’s never been put in a cage. He's always done— and had— whatever he wants.

Yes, he’s amusing, playful, handsome and clever, but he’s too young for her, too reckless and too tempting. And even worse than all that, he’s a Deverell. Need anything more be said?

They should never have met; it would be better for both of them, if they never meet again.

Ainslie has never been in love before. Would she know it, if she felt it? And by the time she does— by the time she’s ready for her own revolution— will it all be too late?

Find out on January 28th. Order your copy of DANCE WITH A DEVERELL here

(Image: Portrait of a woman by Sir Frances Dicksee 1887)