The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

Written in Boston when Alcott was only seventeen, Alcott's first novel shows her promise as an author. The heroine of the book, Edith, is a noble lady living as a governess with Lady Hamilton and her family. The hero, Lord Percy, is an English gentleman who recognizes Edith's noble character in spite of her poverty. He of course falls deeply in love with her, but believing she will not marry him because of the differences in their stations resigns himself not to speak of his love. Conniving Lady Ida attempts to discredit Edith in order to win Lord Percy for herself, then a mysterious stranger arrives with documents that change Edith from a penniless governess into a wealthy heiress.