This week I’m thrilled to introduce you to my upcoming release, book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes.
Can a woman with a past have a future?
Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.
Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?
Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.
Today’s snippet begins where we left off last week, Amelia and Nathan out in the garden–alone. Enjoy!
To his utter joy, after a furtive look around, she nodded and followed him down the short flight of steps and out onto the shadowy lawn. A soft breeze made her pale gold ballgown billow out over the new grass as they sped along the white shell path then struck out over the expanse of green, illuminated only by the sliver of moon and a thousand stars until they stood behind the trunk of the largest cherry tree, hopefully hidden from sight. They couldn’t be too careful–there was Miss Burrowes’ reputation to consider.
She gazed up at him expectantly, although whether she was waiting for words or a gesture, he had no idea. That she wished something from him, however, was abundantly apparent. Her eyes sparkled, catching the faint starlight, making them look like sapphires. The moonlight touching her hair, made it glow paler than its normal chestnut color when she tossed her head, and she twitched from one foot to the other, as though she was still dancing.
Gently, he stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers, her smooth skin inciting a riot of desire throughout him. She tipped her head back, her eyelids half closed, her lips poised in a perfect bow. Passion raged in him, and he couldn’t help himself as he sank his mouth onto hers.
Her lips were warm and welcoming as he pressed himself to her and sought to deepen the kiss. To his surprise, she opened like the petals of a flower, and he plunged in, so that all he could think was that he wanted more. So much more.
At last, reluctantly, he broke the kiss. “Miss Burrowes—”
“Amelia, Mr. Locke.” She laughed up at him. “After that kiss, I think you should call me by my first name.”
Nathan’s stomach dropped. “I…I meant to say…” Dash it, why was he tongue-tied all of a sudden?
Because he wanted nothing more than to sink his mouth back onto hers, sweep her up into his arms, and find a bower hereabouts where they could continue this tryst to its glorious conclusion. From the eager look on Miss Burrowes’—no, on Amelia’s face, he’d find no opposition to that suggestion.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
This week I’m thrilled to introduce you to my upcoming release, book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes.
Can a woman with a past have a future?
Miss Amelia Burrowes was the scandal of the ton in her first Season, when her fiancée died, rumors flew, and she was declared a ruined woman by Society. Ten years later, she’s back in London to make an arranged marriage that will hopefully allow her sisters to be received by the ton. But when Nathan, Lord Ainsley, the man she’d really had a tendre for all those years ago, renews their acquaintance, the flame between them rekindles and Amelia begins to believe that maybe a second chance for love is possible.
Ten years ago Nathan Locke made a terrible mistake in letting himself be hustled off on his Grand Tour when what he really wanted was to marry the delightful Miss Burrowes. Now he’s just learning that the lovely lady isn’t married after all—but instead is a pariah of Society. Nathan’s not about to let that get in the way of his suit but as new rumors swirl around them, can he ignore the ton’s renewed whispers about Amelia’s reputation?
Together Nathan and Amelia must get to the bottom of the scandals—new and old—or face a devastating choice: a life together being shunned by Society or a life without each other forever.
Today’s snippet begins at the very beginning, with the prologue, to set the scene. Enjoy!
“Would you care for some fresh air, Miss Burrowes?” Nathan Locke offered his arm to the ravishing young lady he had just partnered in a spirited reel. “I believe we need reviving after all that setting to and heying.” The dance had been strenuous; however, his partner had matched him pace for pace, with only pinkened cheeks to show for it. “The veranda is just this way.”
“That is an excellent suggestion, Mr. Locke.” Miss Burrowes’s blue eyes sparkled, although that may have been due to the rigors of the dance. “Although we must be careful to keep close to the torches.” They both understood how quickly gossip could spread about even the most innocent of actions. But the slightest pucker of her sensual lips made him believe she might just agree to leave the light for a little while.
They’d been introduced at Lady Somerville’s ball only the week before, where Nathan had been immediately struck by Miss Burrowes’ grace and beauty. Her witty conversation had been an unexpected boon when he’d asked for and been granted the privilege of the supper dance that evening. Ever since that first night he’d partnered her, he’d jumped at every chance to be with her—carriage rides, social calls, theater excursions, and a magical evening at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. In one amazingly short week, he’d come to have very affectionate feelings for Miss Burrowes. A tendre, they called it, and he couldn’t deny that his thoughts strayed more and more often to the lady, whether he was in her presence or not.
“Shall we go into the garden?” Nathan asked as soon as the French window closed behind them and the heady smell of cherry blossoms assailed them. He’d had no time to talk to her unchaperoned. Even during their carriage rides they hadn’t been alone in his curricle but in her family’s barouche. Still, he’d managed to discover her sharp wit, her gentle nature, her grace and charm in everything she did. The perfect woman with whom to build his life.
So he held his breath. This might be his only chance to speak to her privately.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
This is the last week for snippets from The Dandy Lyon! Last Wednesday the book released and was a best-seller on Amazon. So next week I’ll be moving on to my next release, book 4 of my Matchmaker’s Ball series, The Ruin of Miss Amelia Burrowes.
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble–one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he’s so desperate to have Joanna, he’s willing to roll the dice just once more.
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He’s different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother’s decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them…
Today’s final snippet continues where we left off last week, with Marcus and Joanna enjoying the last fleeting moments of their dance. Enjoy!
“I assure you, Lady Joanna, if I believed I would be able to partner you again, I would have already asked.” He shot a glance over his shoulder at the doorway into the ballroom. “Unfortunately, I do not think that will be allowed.”
The hectic buzz of conversation in the room was suddenly quelled when a raised voice overcame the din of the other guests. “What the devil is going on here?”
Joanna jerked her head around. She knew that voice all too well.
Her brother Geoffrey, head and shoulders taller than most of the other people in the room, was striding toward the ballroom floor, shouldering people out of his way with the determination of a general leading his troops into battle. As he passed their mother, she snared his arm, pulling him around to face her.
Returning her attention to the dance, Joanna had a sinking feeling that Mr. Dandridge’s estimation of the chances for them dancing again was completely correct.
She’d seen that look on Geoffrey’s face before and knew it did not bode well for Mr. Dandridge. The reason for her brother’s ire, however, escaped her. At least she and her partner were able to continue the quadrille until the final bow and curtsey. Then, smiling her thanks to Mr. Dandridge, she took his arm and glanced up into dark eyes that stared at her with such longing she had to stifle a gasp. “W…will you escort me back to my mother, please?”
“Of course, my lady. It will be my utmost pleasure.” Mr. Dandridge started them toward the spot where her mother stood, a false smile plastered on her face, beside Geoffrey who looked as though he’d swallowed ground glass.
“What is between you and my brother?” Joanna whispered to him. “Why does he look as though he wants to kill you?”
“Most likely because he does.” Mr. Dandridge’s pace didn’t slacken, even after that startling statement. They approached her family and Geoffrey stepped forward, his face dark as midnight without a moon.
When they were close enough, her brother snatched her hand from Mr. Dandridge’s arm—although not before Mr. Dandridge managed to give it a fleeting squeeze that sent another wave of heat up her arm. Then Geoffrey was standing between her and Mr. Dandridge.
“I thought I told you in no uncertain terms, Dandridge, that you were to leave my sister alone.” Her brother’s face was a monstrous thing to behold—his brows furrowed in the deepest frown, his lips pressed into a straight line, his eyes flashing with absolute hatred.
The last of these frightened Joanna more than anything else.
“You did make that request of me, my lord.” Mr. Dandridge had his cold gaze trained on Geoffrey, then it strayed to her and softened almost imperceptibly. “I fear I chose to disregard it.”
Good lord, was the man baiting her brother? And here, in the most public of places? The recesses of her mind, however, posed the question of why Geoffrey had forbidden Mr. Dandridge to have anything to do with her.
“You do so at your peril, sir.” Geoffrey drew himself up to his full six-foot, four-inch height.
Mr. Dandridge cooly scanned the ballroom, then he leaned toward Geoffrey. “If you intend to call me out, you will have your pick of witnesses, most of whom will believe that your action was prompted not because I was merely dancing with your sister—which you must agree is allowed in Polite Society. But rather because you believe I have compromised her in some way. Even I would take odds on that being tomorrow morning’s on-dit.”
Geoffrey’s face drained of color and Joanna caught a muttered curse.
“Very well, Dandridge.” Geoffrey stepped back, immediately assuming a polite, disinterested mask on his face. “I take your point.” He ground his teeth together until Joanna would swear she heard them crack. “However, I fear my sister is fatigued, so we will be leaving. Come, Mother.”
Without another word, he seized Joanna’s arm and pulled her toward the doorway.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
My mini-series follows the descendents of characters in my very first book, a medieval trilogy called Time Enough to Love. The first book, Pride of Lyons introduces Thomas, Lord Braeton and his friend Geoffrey, Lord Longford, who is the hero of the second book, The Lyon’s Paw. In the second book, Geoffrey is blackmailed by a man, an outside to the ton, who is trying to get Geoffrey to agree to let him marry Geoffrey’s sister, Joanna. Geoffrey manages to outwit the man, Marcus Dandridge, and warn him off Joanna. However, Marcus, as we see in The Dandy Lyon, is made of much sterner stuff.
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble–one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he’s so desperate to have Joanna, he’s willing to roll the dice just once more.
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He’s different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother’s decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them…
This is release week for The Dandy Lyon! Wednesday the book will be available for sale, but you should get your copy ASAP as Dragonblade Publishing usually increases the price after the book drops. So grab your copy for .99 TODAY!
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble–one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he’s so desperate to have Joanna, he’s willing to roll the dice just once more.
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He’s different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother’s decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them…
Today’s snippet continues where we left off last week, with Marcus and Joanna dancing. After the break, the POV switches to Joanna. It’s rather a long snippet, but I couldn’t resist. Enjoy!
“I am so looking forward to this first dance, Mr. Dandridge.” Lady Joanna’s lilting voice brought Marcus back from his brooding and focused all his attention on her.
That might not have been the best thing, however. Gazing at the lady, so close to Marcus he could see every lovely line of her body, every beautiful inch of her face, he could scarcely believe he was walking next to her, her small, gloved hand tucked so naturally in the crook of his arm it made Marcus ache all the more with longing. He must find a way to leave a lasting impression of himself upon her in the few minutes of the dance they would share. It was the only way he could ensure the lady would remember him favorably.
“I am as well, my lady.” They had reached the ballroom floor and taken their places with the other couples for a quadrille. Marcus looked at Lady Joanna, trying his best to keep the longing look out of his face. “You have no idea.”
As the music began, they bowed to one another, then to their corners, and when they took hands, the first thing Joanna realized was that Mr. Dandridge was an extremely strong individual. The grip of his fingers on hers almost made her gasp. It wasn’t painful, so much as it was forceful. But that was enough to make her look a second time at the gentleman. She’d looked at him of course when Lady Hamilton had introduced them and thought him a very distinctive man indeed. A gentleman to be reckoned with, no doubt. The next sets of couples commenced their turn to exhibit the steps, and she leaned over to tell her partner, “I think the quadrille a marvelous dance, don’t you?”
He smiled sheepishly. “I fear I do not dance it often enough to have an opinion on that, my lady.” His penetrating, dark gaze seemed to go straight through to her soul. “However, I will say that I think this particular quadrille is especially stirring, because we are dancing it together.”
The intensity of feeling in his voice startled Joanna. He truly sounded as though he meant every word. She’d been trained to remain calm when gentlemen spoke to her in a manner that indicated he had some interest in furthering their acquaintance. Mr. Dandridge wasn’t wasting any time making his wishes known. His dark chestnut-colored eyes scarcely left her own, their power almost palpable though they stood at least a foot apart at the moment.
Joanna swallowed hard, trying to summon some moisture to her mouth, but none was forthcoming. It wasn’t like her to act this way, although it was her first official ball. Perhaps, these kinds of nerves were normal. She would have to ask Celinda.
“I would venture to engage you for another dance, my lady.” Mr. Dandridge had her hand in his, the heat from his fingers searing her own. “Although I suspect that will not be possible.”
“Why…why do you say that, sir?” Joanna didn’t quite know what to do. Her entire arm now felt as though it were on fire. “I have not promised any other dances at the moment.” She glanced up into his hungering eyes and the pit of her stomach dropped to her toes. She had to take time to breathe before she could speak again. “If you wish for another dance, you need only ask.”
The moment before they joined the other couples in the intricate steps a look of pure joy flashed over his face, replaced immediately by one of resignation. “I thank you for that, my lady. I will treasure your words for some time to come.”
Joanna cocked her head, entirely puzzled by his response. “I might think, Mr. Dandridge, you would be better off asking for the dance, which you could then treasure instead of the mere words agreeing to it.”
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble–one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he’s so desperate to have Joanna, he’s willing to roll the dice just once more.
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He’s different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother’s decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them…
As the first chapter is setting up Marcus’s character, I’m going to start my snippet with the beginning of Chapter 2 where Marcus and Lady Joanna will meet officially for the first time. The setting is London, May 5, 1820. Enjoy!
His stomach tied in knots, Marcus fell in just behind Lady Hamilton as they threaded their way around the clusters of guests as they traversed the ballroom. He had to constantly remind himself to breathe else he was likely to meet Lady Joanna only to faint dead away in front of her. They reached the lady in question and Marcus had to fight to keep a pleasant but neutral expression on his face–it would not do, in ton Society, for a gentleman to show his emotions.
Not that he was a gentleman.
“Lady Longford, Lady Joanna Longford, and Lady Celinda Grantham,” his hostess smiled perfunctorily at the ladies, “ladies may I present to you, Mr. Dandridge, an acquaintance of Lord Hamilton.”
“Ladies, how do you do?” Marcus tried not to sound gruff, but his voice didn’t want to cooperate. “I’m delighted to meet you.” He addressed them all, but his gaze never left Lady Joanna’s face.
“Mr. Dandridge.” Lady Celinda curtsied and cast an admiring glance at him.
“Good evening, Mr. Dandridge.” A slight bow of her head was all Lady Longford deigned to give him, still she didn’t seem to recognize his name. That was encouraging.
“How do you do, Mr. Dandridge?” Lady Joanna’s liquid tones sent a shiver down his spine as she gave a curtsy and smiled at him.
Marcus thought his heart would stop. He had to get himself in hand, however. “I am quite well, my lady. I wished to ask, if you are not engaged for the next dance, if I might claim you as my partner.”
To his total surprise and relief, the lady smiled eagerly. “I am not engaged at present, sir, and would be happy to agree to partner you.”
A bit dazed, Marcus nodded and offered his arm. He’d never expected it to be this easy. Longford, for all his talk, apparently hadn’t warned his sister about his interest in her. Which was strange, if he thought about it. Did he truly think Marcus would forget about Lady Joanna? As if any man could. Still, he mustn’t look any gift horse in the mouth. And he must enjoy this stolen dance to the utmost before Lord Longford returned to the ballroom and put a stop to it.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble–one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he’s so desperate to have Joanna, he’s willing to roll the dice just once more.
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He’s different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother’s decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them…
As the first chapter is setting up Marcus’s character, I’m going to start my snippet with the beginning of Chapter 2 where Marcus and Lady Joanna will meet officially for the first time. The setting is London, May 5, 1820. Enjoy!
Marcus shrugged. “Let us say the gentleman holds a grudge against me and I would rather not provoke an argument while I’m here. I don’t plan to stay long, but I don’t wish for him to make a spectacle of our disagreement at a ton function.”
“Very well, Dandy. I’d be happy to distract Lord Longford until you’re ready to leave.” Somersby grinned and turned toward the doorway. “And there he is now. Longford!” The earl hurried toward the tall, daunting gentleman whose fierce gaze took in the entire ballroom at a glance.
With his back still to the doorway, Marcus moved a little further away, counting silently until he was reasonably certain Somersby had spirited Longford off to the card room. Now he had almost half an hour to put the rest of his plan into play.
He scanned the room for his hostess, but before he could locate her his gaze fell on Lady Joanna Longford and Marcus stilled, holding his breath.
The lady and her mother had moved to the side of the ballroom, Lady Joanna looking about eagerly. Her gown of cream satin, with an intricate braided trim down the front and a series of large satin leaves all about the hem, became her complexion exquisitely so that she seemed to glow in the light of hundreds of candles. But it was her face that always arrested Marcus, ever since the first time he’d seen her. Flawless alabaster skin, a heart-shaped face with pink cheeks and rose-petal lips that made her look angelic, framed by deep chestnut curls always made him think of she should be painted as a Madonna in one of the pictures in the British Museum.
With a shake, Marcus forced himself to look away and begin searching for Lady Hamilton. He didn’t have much time and couldn’t stand here mooning over the lady if he wanted to actually meet her. Spying his hostess to his right, Marcus strolled purposefully toward the lady, attired in an elegant gray gown encrusted with small crystals. He presented himself and bowed. “Lady Hamilton, I wanted to thank you once more for your kind invitation.”
The lady’s brows rose, her eyes fixed on his face as though trying desperately to remember his name. “You are most welcome Mr.…Dandridge.” She came up with it at last. “I am always happy to include those friends of my husband with whom I am not already acquainted.”
“If I might make a request of you, my lady?” He nodded toward Lady Joanna, now speaking with a blond young lady. “Would you be so kind as to introduce me to the young lady there?”
“Lady Celinda Grantham?” His hostess smiled broadly. “She is a most popular young lady this Season.”
Marcus shook his head. “While I would be delighted to make Lady Celinda’s acquaintance of course, it is the other young lady of whom I speak. Lady Joanna Longford.”
“Certainly, Mr. Dandridge.” The lady looked at him askance, then nodded. “Come with me.”
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
In love, the odds may never be in your favor.
Ruthless, wealthy, social outsider Marcus Dandridge has fallen in love. Hard. So hard he’s already attempted to force marriage to Lady Joanna Longford by means of blackmail—and failed utterly, gaining the eternal enmity of her brother. Now desperate, Marcus consults his friend, Mrs. Dove-Lyon at The Lyon’s Den, whose recommendation is a wild gamble–one Marcus would never lay odds on at his gaming establishments. But he’s so desperate to have Joanna, he’s willing to roll the dice just once more.
Lady Joanna Longford, just out and already bored by the conventional gentlemen she’s met, is suddenly intrigued by the darkly handsome Mr. Dandridge. He’s different from the other Society men—which makes her even more susceptible to his unconventional pursuit of her.
Still, the odds are against them, until Fate—and her brother’s decree that they will never marry—triggers a defiance that may well spell disaster for both of them…
As the first chapter is setting up Marcus’s character, I’m going to start my snippet with the beginning of Chapter 2 where Marcus and Lady Joanna will meet officially for the first time. The setting is London, May 5, 1820. Enjoy!
While not a usual denizen of Mayfair townhouses, Mr. Marcus Dandridge felt strangely at home in Lady Hamilton’s elegant ballroom. Gazing about at the expensive appointments—the numerous gilt-edged mirrors, the myriad crystal chandeliers, the massive floral arrangement in the center of the dance floor—Marcus nodded, noting that the aristocratic home had décor very similar to his gaming club, The Dandy.
“Dandy! What the devil are you doing here?” Lord Somersby, the young heir to the Marquess of Thaxted and a steady customer at the club, grinned at him as he came up beside Marcus, stationed just inside the ballroom. “Not your sort of entertainment at all, is it?”
“Well met, my lord,” Marcus bowed to the young ne’er-do-well, “you are correct. This isn’t my normal venue, however, as Lord Hamilton was kind enough to secure an invitation for me, I didn’t think it polite to refuse.” Not exactly the way it had happened, but Somersby didn’t need to know that.
“Deadly dull after the excitement at The Dandy last night.” Somersby looked wistful. “Wish I’d have been there to see the altercation. Rumors have been running rampant.” He leaned toward Marcus and lowered his voice. “Did you take down Donalson? Some say it was you, some say it was your man, Johnson.”
“It was Johnson, my lord. I wasn’t there at the time.” Marcus wished to God he had been. He might have been able to persuade Lord Donalson not to take a swing at the dealer. Such notoriety was the last thing he wanted for his gentleman’s club while he was trying to look respectable, especially after that fiasco at The Copper Penny only weeks ago. “And I assure you, it wasn’t nearly as exciting as some have made it out to be.”
Somersby shook his head. “I still wish I’d been there. I would have been, but my allowance for the quarter is gone and father’s not been keen on advancing the blunt. Instead he’s been insisting I attend these ton entertainments instead. Your club is much more inviting than dancing attendance on women who bore one to tears.”
“I take your meaning, my lord.” Marcus had been watching the guests arrive and had just spotted the party he’d been expecting. “And I think I have a solution for you.”
“Indeed.” Somersby’s brows rose.
“I might be willing to forgive your current debts at The Dandy.” Marcus turned away from the doorway, and Somersby turned toward him, shielding him from the guests just entering.
“That would be most generous of you, Dandridge.” Somersby’s eyes lit up. “I’d be quite in your debt.”
“But not for long, my lord.” Marcus glanced over his shoulder at the three people just entering the ballroom. “That debt can be paid this evening if you would be so kind as to engage Lord Longford in the card room for the next half hour.”
“Longford?” Somersby frowned. “Why?”
Don’t forget to check out the rest of the WWW snippets here! There are some great stories out there!
This is the last week I’ll be posting from the short story called It’s In His Kiss in the anthology A Duke by Any Other Name from Dragonblade Publishing. My upcoming release, The Dandy Lyon, part of Dragonblade Publishing’s Lyon’s Den shared world, is releasing in March, so I’ll be switching to that novella next week. But for today, here’s a little more of Will’s dilemma!
A Duke by any other name would smell as… dastardly?
Roguish?
Rakish?
… delightful?
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Heartsore from a recent love’s rejection and wet to the bone from a sudden downpour, William Rothwell is stranded in the tiny village of Twywell when his horse loses a shoe. He puts up at a tavern until the animal can be tended, but is disconcerted when all the people in town seem to know him–despite the fact he’s never been there before. After a few drinks, William is persuaded to go to a local celebration where the comly birthday girl also seems to know him AND flirts outrageously with him. Attracted to her–and not a little aroused–William decides to let nature take its course and face any consequences the morning after.
Lucinda Harcourt’s been infatuated with handsome rake William Fitzwilliam for years, so she decides to make her play for him at her birthday celebration. And when she tries to seduce him, lo and behold, Will seems smitten with her. They retire to her bedroom where Lucinda makes it clear in no uncertain terms she wants Will–right now–and is thrilled when he agrees, making all her fantasies come true.
In the morning light, however, things unravel and consequences take a bizarre turn for both William and Lucinda.
As this is the last snippet from this story, I’m skipping ahead from last week. William and Lucinda are dancing a scandalous waltz, which is making Lucinda think about other, even more scandalous things. Enjoy!
Occasionally, as they spun, their bodies would touch briefly, causing Lucinda to gasp–each time they brushed together, she believed she would swoon.
The pace and position changed, as she slid her hands to his shoulders while both of his hands rested on her waist. And then breathing almost became impossible as they began a series of spritely turns, all the while gazing deeply into each other’s eyes. No wonder this was labeled the most scandalous of dances, although it never had it seemed so wicked when she’d danced it before. But being so close to Will, his touch burning its way into her soul, she understood with crystal clarity the dangers of this dance. Because it led irrevocably to thoughts of their bodies touching in other, even more intimate ways. His smooth, sleek body naked before—
“Are you quite well, Lucinda?” His words broke into her thoughts as though he’d pulled a locked door opened, spilling light into the dark recesses. “Your cheeks are terribly red and you seem out of breath.”
With good reason. Her cheeks should be afire, given that she’d been imagining Will without a stitch of clothing. “I…I am rather…out of breath, I fear. Would you take me outside for a breath of fresh air?” Perhaps the cold, rain-soaked wind would bring her back to reason. “That may be best.”
“But it’s still pouring.” He glanced out the window and frowned. “I’d hate for you to ruin that lovely gown. And you could take a nasty chill.” His gaze bore into her. “Is there somewhere else I could take you to catch your breath? Somewhere more…private?”
So the Fates were indeed offering Will to her, on a silver platter, no less. Well, so be it. “There’s a quiet drawing room upstairs. Perhaps you could take me there?” Lucinda gulped. “I may need to lie down for a moment.”
“Shall I fetch someone else to help you?” The offer was thoughtful, mindful of what could happen to her reputation. Not at all what she’d expect from an unrepentant rake. Perhaps Adriana and the whole village had misjudged Will. Only she had seen the possibility that he was a good man underneath his reckless deeds.
And now she was the one to be reckless. “Oh, no. I don’t wish to alarm anyone.” Reluctantly, Lucinda dropped her arms from his shoulders. “I will be fine with a few minutes rest.” She glanced around until she discovered her cousin, laughing with Mrs. Toliver, the blacksmith’s wife. “It’s just this way.”
Immediately, Will offered his arm, but instead she took his hand—the staircase was narrow and they’d have to go single file up it in any case—and flames of fire licked their way up her arm when their hands clasped. With another surreptitious glance at Adriana, Lucinda turned toward the stairs. She didn’t care that this was not the proper way to get a husband. All that mattered was that she got this man for her husband.
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Jenna Jaxon Romance--because passion is timeless. 