Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

Annabelle Tyler was married for her small inheritance, then her new husband took the money, disappeared, divorced her and married a wealthier woman.  Since she could no longer teach, since the town new she was divorced, she gets on the stage and heads to Philadelphia to apply for a job in a candy shop.  On the way, the stage is held up, her meager funds were stolen, and she is handcuffed to Harrison Graymoor, a wealthy
bachelor, with a reputation for being fast and loose with young women.  When discovered, a day or so later, the sheriff insists that Graymoor marry the young woman to protect her reputation.

When they finally reach Philadelphia, Harrison has no intention of telling anyone he is married, and they plan to get an annulment.  But according to law, they can't get the annulment, so his lawyer concocts a way to get a divorce in another state.  They move into the 'country estate' where Irene, the housekeeper takes Annabelle under her wing, and Annabelle teaches her to read recipes so dessert isn't always Apple Pie.

Annabelle has never gotten around to telling her new husband that she was married and divorced, imagine her surprise when at a party, she comes face to face with her former husband, who decides to blackmail her for funds so he can divorce his wife,  and move south with his on money.

I loved this book, it is set in the early 1830s which to me is a very interesting period in American history.
This is the 2nd of Delia Parr's books I have read, and she is an excellent writer, which makes her books a page turner.

I was given a copy of this book to read and review.  No other compensation was given.  All opinions expressed here are my own, I'm not required to give a positive review.