Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !
I’m back this week with another excerpt from my just finished WIP Heart of Hope, the sixth book in my Handful of Hearts novella series. It’s the story of Lady Letitia Stowe and Mr. Albert (Bertie) Symmons, who meet, although not for the first time, at Lady Hamilton’s ball (where all couples meet in this series).
In this excerpt, Letitia is trying to be a wallflower because she doesn’t want to dance with anyone she doesn’t know. But she spies Mr. Symmons, who she does know, and hopes he’s headed toward her. Hope you enjoy.
(PS–This is the unedited version, so any flubs are my own and will be dealt with by my editor I’m sure. But if you wish to point out anything, please do! Also, there’s no cover yet, but I’ve put up a picture of the couple who will be on the cover.)
BLURB: There’s still no blurb yet, but I’m working on it!
EXCERPT:
They had talked without any awkwardness at the garden party. If he remembered her, they could reminisce about the bee sting during the times when they weren’t actively dancing; then she could keep her promise to her aunt with little distress to herself. She gazed eagerly at Mr. Symmons, who did indeed seem to be heading directly for her. Her cheeks flushed and the room suddenly got terribly hot. As the gentleman in question stopped in front of her, Letitia forced herself to continue breathing.
“I say, it’s Lady Romley, isn’t it? And Lady Letitia?” Mr. Symmons smiled broadly and bowed to them, his tall frame jerking oddly with the effort.
“It is indeed, Mr. Symmons,” Aunt Alexandra said then pursed her lips. “You claim an acquaintance with my niece?”
And a little more for good measure…
Mr. Symmons peered at Letitia, then nodded vigorously. “At least I think it’s you. We spoke about bee stings rather at length after one popped me on the nose at a garden party. You kept chipping the ice from a block and putting it in a handkerchief so I could stop the swelling.” He grinned at Letitia. “It worked too.” He felt his nose. “Never better despite the wretched bee.”
“It is indeed me, Mr. Symmons.” Letitia returned his smile wholeheartedly. “I’m so glad you had no further ill effects from the sting.” She had to keep him talking about the garden party or bees or something until he got the idea to ask her to dance. If only he would, she’d be happy to hold up her end of her promise to Aunt Alexandra.
“Thank you, Lady Letitia. No, no ill effects at all, at least not for me. Can’t say for the bee, you know.”
Heart of Hope should release on October 1 and I’ll have it up on pre-order as soon as I get a cover for it.
Meanwhile, I’ve just put my contemporary Christmas novella, The Present, on pre-order on Amazon, part of a Christmas series called Christmas on the Side. You can go check it out here.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.
Handful of Hearts series
Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 
I love their conversation! I hope they’re soon enjoying a dance.
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With the pleasantries out of the way I hope he hurries up and asks her.
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Yes, he’d better get on with it. The orchestra is about to start up again!
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What a cute snippet. I’m kinda on the edge of my seat, hoping he will ask her to dance.
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Thank you, Danii! I’m glad it’s engaged you so completely!
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I hope he works himself up to asking her to dance soon or this conversation will get awkward! Enjoyed the snippet very much.
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Thank you, Veronica! Yes, it will get awkward very soon indeed.
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Great snippet! Me thinks he’s about to ask for a dance; otherwise why would he stop to chat?
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Why indeed? 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by, Karen. I’m so glad you’re enjoying this work.
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Delightful snippet!
I just finished Almost a Countess. I love that book! WIll be getting you a review posted soon. 🙂
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Thank you, Teresa! I’m delighted you enjoyed Almost a Countess so much! I’ll be on the lookout for the review! 🙂
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Delightful dialogue about the bee sting. Hope he asks her soon.
Tweeted.
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Thank you, Daryl! I think he’s about to! 🙂
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Oh, he’s so close to asking, and she seems like he’s not asking fast enough. LOL Great snippet!
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I think she’s a lot more eager to dance than than she believes she is. 🙂
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