Grover Hall (ePub)

Young girl, Emily, is sent by her now deceased mother to Grover Hall and her father, Henry Ashton, Earl of Grover. She finds Grover Hall in disrepair and abandoned except for the ill caretaker, Henderson. She learns that the Earl is carousing on the Continent and has neglected his responsibilities to the Hall and villagers for the past twelve years. She helps Henderson to recover and to improve their living circumstances. Emilies greatest fear is that she will be turned out with nothing. Henry's return is fraught with painful alcohol withdrawal and a desire to continue to reject responsibilities for the Hall and Emily. Emily must fight her disrespect for her father's condition as she works to win the ability to remain at the Hall. Their lives are complicated by the emergence of Lady Georgina, a previous acquaintance of Henrey and his parents. She throws herself at Henry with malicious intent. Among the many persons Henry hires to bring the hall back to its previous grandeur is Grace Applegate, governess for Emily. Lady Georgina is determined to rid herself of the presence of Emily once she marries the earl. Her attempts to gain Henry's attention are hampered by his increasing interest in Grace. Emily and Grace suffer near fatal malevolent accidents. Slowly, Emily, Henry and Grace work to overcome their fears and doubts.