Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Sample! All excerpts here are rated PG-13 or milder. I’m continuing with my Victorian short story, Heart of Deception.
The story, set in London, 1860, follows Lady Celinda Graham, who is head-over-heels in love with a man to whom her father has strong objections. In this sample, we find out why Papa objects so much to Andrew.
The first Viscount Hurston, a notorious rakehell in the heyday of the Restoration, had ruined Papa’s great-great aunt and abandoned her. A long, bitter feud ensued between the families. So long-lasting that Papa now cited the old grudge as a reason to deny her marriage. But Papa was not going to have the last word this time. She would marry Andrew Barclay Finley, Eighth Viscount Hurston by fair means or foul.
“I doubt I can spend time with your father now, my love.” Andrew’s rich baritone voice tickled her ear as he leaned close to her. His thumbs caressed the tops of her hands as he conveyed them one by one to his warm lips.
A thrill of desire ran through Celinda’s body at that slight caress. The touch of his lips sent fire spreading past the pit of her stomach to lodge in a place she could scarcely bring herself to name. More heat flushed her face. No one else ever made her feel like Andrew did. But his words finally registered in her distracted mind and she frowned. “Why not, Andrew? If Papa knew you better. . .”
“I’m sorry, Celinda, but I received word this morning that I must leave tomorrow for Hurst Manor. There is a problem at the estate that I must resolve. If this problem with the drainage is not rectified, the harvest will suffer as will my tenants next winter.” His soulful eyes pled as his words could not. “You understand, don’t you dearest one?”
The endearment melted her heart. Andrew was so kind, so thoughtful, so dutiful. How could Papa think him a cad?
“Then what can we do, my love?” Despair returned, heightening her anguish. “The season is in full swing and Papa has decreed I must choose a husband this year. He was quite vexed that I did not last year and has threatened that if I don’t choose someone appropriate he will choose for me.” Celinda shuddered. The men her father mentioned as “appropriate,” were ludicrous.
Maybe father knows best, Celinda. Come back next week for another little snippet to see if Papa’s objections to the young man are justified.
Hope you enjoyed today’s sample of Heart of Deception. It’s available for the tempting price of .99 at Books To Go Now, Amazon, All Romance E-Books, and Barnes and Noble.
Be sure to click here to visit more Sweet Samples. You’ll be glad you did!
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
I have a feeling father does know best. Great sample, Jenna!!
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Excellent! Loved it!
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Kissing each individual finger? Sigh! No wonder she loves him.
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she could scarcely bring herself to name – still love that line!
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This is a great scene and I’m sure it sets things up for the future.
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A very romantic excerpt. I love that he touches the backs of her hands with his thumbs before his lips. I can picture it quite clearly. Great writing, Jenna!
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Oh, you are SO stringing me along! I can’t decide if he’s got her snowed or if he’s a genuinely nice guy, but it sure is a great show either way. ;c) You’re doing an impressive job of raising doubts in this tug-of-war between her Papa and Andrew!
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I think Papa might know best, too! Love the name Celinda – beautiful.
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LOL, Jenna, you are a clever girl! I loved this story and the twist!
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Great word choices to describe movement in the 1860’s, such as convey. Little things like this put me right there, back in time.
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He “seems” like a great guy but the timing of his trip and wording seems a bit… suspect. Love the writing and story so far. Nice teaser 😀
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Great sample! I am concerned for Celinda.
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So well written and a fantastic excerpt. I have said this before but I do love that cover.
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Not so sure Andrew is everything he seems. Maybe Dad knows something she doesn’t know. He’s a little too smooth for me. I smell a rat. Great post.
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Why do I get the feeling that this time Papa is right? lovely sample.
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