Montaigne Barton: The Story of a Dartmoor Village by Frank Smith.
Gabriel Smith inherits the Montainge Barton Estate from an uncle he never knew existed. Situated on the northern slopes of Dartmoor he thinks it sounds like the other end of the world and has no intention of burying himself in this wilderness but the conditions of the will state that if for any reason he does not take residence for a period of at least five years the Estate would revert to the previous owners: and that if he doesn't accept he will get nothing at all! Ownership of the Barton carries the title of Lord of the Manor! A responsibility he neither wants! Accepts! Or is equipped to handle! His first encounter is with the very lovely Victoria Carrington, daughter of the previous owners and her instant rejection results in fiery and abrasive confrontations. His uncompromising contempt for propriety and for local traditions, together with his dubious claim to ownership of the Barton, fosters resentment among the natives: and they are far from friendly! The conditions of the will make his residence fraught with danger and are a serious handicap in his pursuit of Victoria. Can he adjust to rural confinement? To responsibility! And! Even more pertinently! Can he survive!
Paperback. First published in Great Britain, 2001.
Brand new. Very minor shelfwear. Otherwise, nice and clean.