The Gentlewoman’s Guide to Second Sons

As any lady raised in good society knows, the most eligible parti for prospective marital consideration is the man with the highest title. And in Great Britain, those men, by and large, are firstborn sons of the peerage. Those lucky males have, so to speak, won the inheritance lottery. To them comes the title, the family estate, and the bulk of the family fortune. 

Second (or third, fourth, fifth and so on) sons of the nobility in England are launched into the world and expected to fend for themselves. A lucky few might be left or given enough capital to provide them with a few hundred pounds of income per annum. But any wise young lady knows that such a middling amount would only purchase a few of the elegancies of life. Younger sons are all very well for flirting, dancing and witty conversation, but a more permanent connection would be . . . impractical, except when  the lady herself comes well-dowered. Finding a wealthy wife is often the solution to a younger son’s search for an income.

Failing that, the younger sons of the nobility are obliged to make a living in the few fields that did not result in a loss of social standing: the clergy, the military, or diplomatic service. Great things can be accomplished by younger sons in these areas. The Duke of Wellington, for example, was a second son. 

Under no circumstance should a man from a high-ranking family involve himself in anything so vulgar as trade. Unless, of course, such trade has earned the man a whacking great fortune. 

Which brings me to Morgan Tregarth, former scapegrace second son turned merchant prince.

Morgan is the hero of my current work-in-progress, A Most Improper Connection. As the son and brother of the third and fourth Viscounts Tregarth, and guardian of the fifth Viscount, his place in London’s exclusive drawing rooms is assured. The ton is even willing to turn a blind eye to his eccentric refusal to give up a very lucrative import business. 

Morgan, once sent off to India in disgrace, is received by the Best People, socializes at the most exclusive clubs and is half-heartedly pursuing an earl’s impeccably-bred daughter. He’s even found his long-lost daughter. Unfortunately, the girl’s mother is very much alive, and very much objects to losing the only family she has left. 

Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season

I don’t have a publication date yet for A Most Improper Connection, and at this point I hesitate to say more than ‘coming sometime in 2026’. Right now I’m at the point in the year when it has been 0 days since I’ve baked something. No complaints — I actually look forward to Thanksgiving leftovers and I really look forward to Christmas cookies. I hope everyone who reads this has a happy Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or whatever delights you to celebrate. 

Speaking of Holidays . . .

I know what books and movies I love to watch this time of year (The Lion in Winter is a Christmas movie and I will die on that hill), but I’d love to include those my readers enjoy in my December post. Email ann@annstephensauthor.com or drop a comment! I look forward to hearing from you.