Disinheritance by Mary Kingswood

One man with a secret. A family torn apart by the consequences.

Walter Atherton, Viscount Birtwell, has drifted through his charmed life without a care in the world. As the eldest son and heir to an earl, he has never had to make his way in the world. His days are filled with pleasure, and to set the seal on it, he will shortly be married to a vastly wealthy heiress. His future is set fair for happiness. But the brutal murder of the family chaplain reveals a dreadful secret, and Walter finds his whole future upended. What on earth is he to do now?
Miss Winifred Strong fell in love with Walter years ago – how could she resist his careless charm? But the daughter of a mere baronet is no fitting wife for a future earl. When the disaster strikes and Walter is suddenly cast down in society’s eyes, Winnie allows herself just a sliver of hope. Surely now her old friend will turn to her for comfort… and love? Or must she remain a spinster forever? But a trip to London brings her an unexpected way out of her dilemma — if she has the courage to take it.