Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

The Christmas Pact released on Friday and it’s not too late to join the Release Party on my blog! Just visit the Release Party blog post and comment for a chance to win The Christmas Pact!

The Christmas Pact

BLURB:

Will a childhood promise lead them to true romance?

When Henrietta Price accidentally pummels a gentleman with a snowball, her instant mortification turns to delight when she discovers the young man is none other than her childhood best friend, Charlie. Though they haven’t seen each other in ten years, he still has the same vivid blue eyes, wicked laugh, and caring nature she remembers so well. Once he’d even vowed—at ten-years-old—to marry her, if necessary, to save her from a life of spinsterhood. And although she’s considering another man’s proposal, she can’t quite keep that long-ago promise out of her head…

Charlie Newkirk hasn’t stopped thinking about Hen since she stole a kiss from him all those years ago. Now he can scarcely believe the beautiful woman in front of him is the same girl whose braid he used to pull. Worse, he has no idea if she’s given her heart to the wealthy young marquess courting her or if she even remembers the promise he hopes to fulfill.

With their future happiness at stake, will Charlie be able to remind Henrietta of their Christmas pact and turn their childhood friendship into a newfound romance? Or will he forever remain just someone she used to know?

I’m continuing today’s snippet by skipping ahead to Charlie, Henrietta, and her mother sitting down to tea. How will Mama react to the return of the long lost friend? Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“I remember so fondly Haverhill’s Charity Ball when I headed it,” Mama settled back in her chair and raised her cup, “I have been working with our local parish in Kent, although I do a great deal for the poor on my own, as well.”

“My mother often laments the day your family left the village, my lady. Of course, we understood completely that your husband had to take his place in Society.” Charlie seemed to know exactly what to say to get on Mama’s good side. “As you and Lady Henrietta and Lady Mary must have done, as well.”

“That is true, Charlie. We were loath to leave dear Haverhill, but our duty called us away.” Mama nodded. “When Lord Tollesbury received the sad news about his uncle and his sons…”

Mama could drone on and on about Father’s elevation, so Henrietta took the time, as she hadn’t earlier, to look truly closely at Charlie, noting all the changes between her twelve-year-old friend and the dashing gentleman who sat across from her, consuming tea and thin chicken sandwiches with gusto.

And a little bit more…

Charlie had ever had an appetite.

His eating habits seemed to have made no difference to his physical form, for Charlie was truly a fine figure of a man. The broad shoulders she had noted earlier. However, now she took in the sleek fit of his jacket, accentuating his build. His equally well-tailored trousers showed off his long legs and narrow waist. So narrow, in fact, he might have been wearing a corset. Except she would’ve bet a thousand pounds he’d never in his life do that. His neckcloth was of pure gray silk that matched his waistcoat exactly. Quite dapper for plain Charlie.

“Don’t you think that’s a shame, Henrietta?” Her mother’s sharp voice recalled her from her reverie.

Henrietta blinked, totally unaware of what bend the conversation had taken. Immediately, she stuffed a chicken sandwich in her mouth to give her time. She cocked her head and raised her eyebrows, as if to say, “Do pray go on.”