Hold Tight to Your Dreams.

The Hadley family survives on newly-laid eggs and memories of past prestige. Edith holds tight to her dreams even if daily life consists of cold rooms, worn clothes, and inadequate meals. She and her brother Ogden refuse to let the family home be sold despite their father's furious gambling habits. Her comforts are her best friend and the local assembly dance.

Jasper Slater is ready to leave his past behind, for the second time. After leaving home as an outcast, he ran a gambling hall in London. Now he is determined to prove he can reclaim his roots and be a gentleman. He has the estate and only needs a wife. To amuse himself and, hopefully, enchant his new neighbors, he builds a racetrack on his land.

Edith and Jasper meet at the local assembly; their attraction is instantaneous. However, Edith's father uses her as collateral for his gambling debts by betrothing her to one of his debtors. And the local gentlemen don't seem to like Jasper or his racetrack. He worries about his standing in the neighborhood. Wooing the engaged daughter of a neighbor is not acting like a gentleman.

A Cinderella novella of 31K words. Book One of the Bedroom Eyes Series.