Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 09/17/2023 ~ The Baron’s Halo ~ “Have We Been Introduced?”

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

I’m this week, with more of my newest release, The Baron’s Halo, book 2 of The Welwyn Marriage Wager series. It released a week ago Friday and I’m really thrilled for it!

BLURB:

If love’s a game, he’s playing to win.

For reasons of her own, Isabelle Devereaux isn’t looking for a husband. Yet thanks to her mother here she is, in the middle of the social whirl of the Little Season. Thinking to refuse any gentleman who offers for her, Isabelle endures the lavish entertainments, saddened that she’ll remain a spinster.

Enter Baron MacKay, Sandy to his friends, in search of a wife to win a family wager. Dazzled by Isabelle’s beauty, he’s drawn to the vulnerable young lady. From the moment they meet, he charms her with his kind and generous nature until, against her will, Isabelle falls in love with him. Even though she knows marriage to him may end in disaster, she can’t resist his kisses…or where they lead.

Desperate to marry Sandy, Isabelle puts her misgivings aside, but circumstances spiral out of control as their wedding approaches. Isabelle must confront the demons that haunt her and make an agonizing decision: can she marry Sandy without telling him the one impediment that may shatter their happiness forever?

EXCERPT:

Pursing his lips, Barclay seemed about ready to speak then, taking Sandy’s fixed gaze into consideration, turned to the lady. “Would you like for me to escort you, Miss Devereaux? I am more than willing to return you to your mother.”

The lady looked up at him, the frightened look smoothing out until she managed a small smile. “Thank you, Lord Barclay, but as my next partner is here, there is no need and I suspect a new set will be forming by the time we reach Mama.” She looked pointedly at Sandy’s arm and he hastily offered his elbow which she looped her arm through. “My thanks for a lovely waltz, my lord.”

The unexpected thrill of her touch made Sandy’s heart race. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead–thank God the room was warm enough to account for that, although he understood the heat came from within himself, not from the myriad bodies pressed together around them in the ballroom. It was all due to the petite woman now standing very close beside him, clutching his arm.

And a little more for good measure. . .

“Very well, Miss Devereaux.” His smile turned into a snarl. “MacKay.”

Sandy bowed, not wanting to hide his triumphant smile. “Barclay.”

The young lord huffed away, leaving Sandy suddenly alone with the entrancing Miss Devereaux. But what the devil was he going to do with her? The obvious thing rose to mind. “Miss Devereaux, would you like for me to return you to your mother?”

With a slight shake of her head, she steered them toward the doors of the verandah. “No, thank you…is it Lord MacKay?”

Mesmerized by the lady, Sandy managed a nod.

A frown marred her features. “I am sorry, but have we been introduced?” Her gaze continued to hold him. “I’m certain I would remember you.”

He prayed fervently that was true. Taking a deep breath, Sandy launched forth into his best version of an explanation for his bold actions. “Unfortunately not, Miss Devereaux, although I tried very hard to find Lady Winslow to ask her to introduce me to you. I was unsuccessful in that endeavor, so I must beg your pardon for my intrusion.”

Sandy hesitated. He’d been certain the lady was frightened of Barclay when he barged in between them, but now he began to doubt himself. Still, he must continue with the explanation. “I thought I noted you were in some distress from Lord Barclay’s proximity to you. A fictional dance set looked to be the best way to release you from his company.” He stopped and stared down into her perfect blue eyes. “If I was mistaken in the nature of your exchange, I am truly sorry for interrupting your private conversation.”