This #holiday season give yourself a little #magic. #Paranormalromance #romance Candle magic @sirenbookstrand Kick back with #teasers , and information about the story from the #author
Two strong male hands grasped her waist,
lifted her, and set her on her feet. A deep, attractive voice asked, “Are you
okay?—You’re not. You’re freezing and your shoe is broken. Let me help you. I’m
here for you.” He held her shoulders, taking some of her weight as Simi limped
to face her rescuer.
She looked up and into the eyes of a
gorgeous man. Strands of his thick dark hair glistened in the light, thrown off
by the strings of fairy lights threaded through the branches of the trees lining
this part of the sidewalk. The sleet lent a sheen to these strands and lit him
up as if he, too, was a Christmas decoration. Simi gazed at him. She drank in
the perfect features of his face. Her eyes dipped to take in his obviously
muscled body under his clothes. His overcoat hung open over a black suit. He
wore a gleaming white shirt and a black bow tie. He’s perfect.
“I’m fine, thank you,” her voice
scratched out.
He gave her a look just short of amused,
but definitely disbelieving.
“I know otherwise. Please, it’s
Christmas. Let me be here for you.”
The sincerity in his voice soothed her.
Trepidation left her, replaced by hope. Bizarre,
considering he could be a murderer. She hopped a step.
The gorgeous man stooped and pulled the
heel from the paver crack. He grinned at her mischievously and put it in his
pocket.
Simi let her shoulder bag dangle from
her arm and tried to walk with one foot five-and-a-half inches higher than the
other.
The delicious man held her arm gently.
He took her bag and slung it over his shoulder.
“I’ll carry that. Put your arm around my
waist and lean on me.” He slipped his arm around her shoulders.
She did as he asked. His hard body under
her arm comforted her. Simi tried another step. It was still a limp, but
suddenly amused, she laughed. She looked up into his handsome face.
“If I’m going to be hanging onto you, I
should know your name.”
“Jason. My name’s Jason, and you’re…?”
Simi was lost in the sound of his voice
and the flow of delicious tingles down her body as his arm tightened around
her. She whispered, “Simi.”
He smiled, his eyes alight with emotion.
“That’s a beautiful name. A lovely, soft name for a beautiful girl.”
A little alarm bell went off for Simi. Isn’t that a little too charming? Maybe he
is a murderer trying to lull me into trusting him. “Look buddy, don’t
bother trying flattery on me.”
His smile widened. Crinkles appeared at
the corners of his eyes. He laughed and then shook his head. “Don’t be afraid.
I’m not here to hurt you, quite the opposite, and you are beautiful.”
The wind whipped strands of her hair
across her face and she limped along. “I don’t have far to go now. I can
manage. You must have somewhere to be.”
Jason sighed deeply.
The sound traveled over Simi in a wave.
It brought a wash of regret that she’d suggested this gorgeous man stop helping
her and leave. She looked up into his eyes and saw sadness.
“I have nowhere to be. It’s Christmas.
I’m free to be with you if you want me. I’m no threat. I’d love to help you…at
least to your door, Simi.”
Her longing to have a man like him with
her for comfort, help, and maybe more seeded acceptance and trust in her heart.
She gripped his overcoat as she leaned into him again, trying to excuse her
outburst about flattery. “I’m not used to knights in shining armor.” She limped
off again and he walked with her, his arm around her, almost lifting her from
her feet. His pace slowed to give her time to accommodate the lack of a heel on
one shoe.
“I’ve not been that for a long time.”
His murmured words brought a smile to her lips and she took a deep breath,
deciding to talk with him as they made their way to her apartment. “Have you
been to a party or something?”
“I’ve been—” He told her, but dipped his
head as the sleet became heavier.
Simi didn’t hear the end of his
sentence. It was whirled away by the weather’s onslaught. The wind made the icy
rain slant into her overcoat collar. She cuddled against him.
Jason stopped walking. He gave her a
gentle smile. “We’ll be frozen and saturated by the time we get to your place.”
Then he picked her up in his strong arms and cradled her to his body. “I’ll
carry you.”
As he enveloped her in his arms, her
face rested on his chest. A vague fragrance of pine needles and trees drifted
around her. His arm under her thighs warmed her. His arm crushing her to his
muscled chest reminded her of the dream she’d had. He was every bit as gorgeous
and sexy as the man in her dream. Simi’s heart filled up with hope. Whatever he
was offering this night she would take. This was the most comforted and cared
for she’d felt in a very long time. As Jason walked with her, she snuggled into
his aura. He exuded masculinity, strength, protection, sex. It felt good.
“Thank you. My place is at the end of this street.”
Copyright Elodie Parkes , Siren Publishing
From Elodie,
My hero, Jason Chandler, doesn’t know what he is. Maybe an
angel, or a spirit, he only knows he’s given assignments to fulfill by the
enigmatic higher powers of the universe. This assignment is different, and when
he finds himself materialize beside Simi, my heroine, he’s instantly hopeful
that his lonely existence is about to change. With an HEA , this story is full of
love and magic.
Jason followed as she went to the dining
room.
She put the candlestick in the middle
with a happy sigh.
He smiled at her. “How can I help?”
Simi opened the door on a low cabinet.
She took out rolled, fine wooden-slat, place mats and unfurled each on the
table. “Talk to me. Tell me about yourself. Where do you work? Where do you
live? I want to know all about you, or at least something.” She laughed then.
The sound took away the fear that spiked
up Jason’s spine when she asked the specific questions about him. I’ll tell her what I can without frightening
her away. He opted for that.
“I have assignments from a—a group that
are designed to help people...solve problems. I live around here.” The ether
wasn’t so far above the terrestrial sphere, scientifically, and mystical enough
to be almost everywhere, so that was okay to say. I can’t say I only work at Christmas, though. I can’t say I’m some sort
of spirit doing penance for dabbling in magic, can I?
Simi placed cut crystal, long-stemmed
glasses on each mat. She grinned at him. “Are you a social worker?”
Jason shook his head.
Simi considered for a few moments.
“You’re a company troubleshooter. No wonder you’re a little cagey about that.
Ours is a shark. He can put a positive light on the trickiest complaint.”
“Oh, no, that’s not how I operate. I really help,
even if it’s just for a short time.” That much was true. He’d brought comfort,
strokes of good luck, better outlooks, the coincidence of friends meeting lost
friends or family, the avoidance of an accident not meant to happen, although
never what he’d brought Simi, never sex and … and love.
Copyright Elodie Parkes, Siren Publishing
Candle Magic is currently on sale @sirenbookstrand
ReadersFavorite 5 stars
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Candle Magic by Elodie Parkes is a contemporary romance set around Christmas Eve that weaves magic, romance, and sexiness into one juicy story...
...if you like steamy romances with hot men who appear out of thin air like magic and grant your sexiest wishes, this book is for you! Jason was an amazing character! Gorgeous, sexy, in the right place at the right time. But he was also mysterious and kept me guessing.
When Simi finds a pretty old
candlestick among the discarded props in the PR company storeroom, she never
imagines it can grant her dearest wish. There’s something mysterious about the
carved candlestick that’s almost scary, but Simi is drawn to it. She intends to
use the candlestick to hold her last antique candle and make her solitary
Christmas lunch more festive.
Simi works late managing the staff
Christmas Eve party and misses the subway train that will take her to her usual
stop forcing her to walk the last part of the journey home on the deserted
street.
A nearby clock strikes midnight.
It's Christmas.
Simi slips, but Jason catches her.
Who is Jason? Where has he suddenly appeared from in the night?
Simi looks into the eyes of this
gorgeous man, and sparks fly…
https://www.bookstrand.com/book/candle-magic
Mystery romance #newrelease Providence Island Book 5 , Boardwalk, read a #teaser from @dwilkesauthor #giveawaytour Former hitman Ben Hampshire has settled into a peaceful life on Providence Island, he’s found the woman of his dreams but can't make himself say "I love you".
Providence Island Book 5
Mystery Romance
Date Published: 02 November 2021
Publisher: RedBird Books
A man denies his emotions to save the lives of others. A woman closes her heart to hide the pain. A child yearns for someone to trust.
Former hitman Ben Hampshire gave up everything to keep his honorary mother Dana Canfield safe. Settled into a peaceful life on Providence Island, he’s found the woman of his dreams but can't make himself say "I love you".
Stacy Andrews shunned long-term relationships until she met a man with a brain as sexy as his body. She's head over stiletto heels in love with him, but those words aren't in her vocabulary either. The secret she’s hiding might make Ben change his mind about their life together. If that’s not enough, her troubled eight-year old nephew coming to live with them could be the tipping point.
Ben finds himself in the spotlight after two murders occur. The first to find both bodies, he’s holding back evidence that points toward Dana’s husband as the perpetrator. If he can't stop the killer, Ben's future may turn into a happy never after.
Read a Teaser
Stacy
bounced on her toes as Ben used his new key. The lock disengaged with an easy
click. He nudged the door open with one shoulder and swooped Stacy into his
arms. She squealed at the unexpected gesture. He carried her into the
apartment, shutting the door behind them with a tap of his heel.
“Welcome
home.” She stroked her fingers through his hair.
He eased
her to her feet, letting her body graze his on the path downward. Hands resting
on her hips, he drew her closer, covering her mouth in a kiss that left her
clutching his shoulders for support.
He lowered
his brow onto hers. “I’m going to like living here.”
A hint of
the insecurity that she’d locked away pushed its way free, and she eased away.
“We need
to talk.” Stacy tugged him toward the sofa, ignoring the deep, dramatic groan
that came along with him. Once they were seated, she scooted several inches
away to keep his attention on the conversation. “Before we go any further, are
you sure about this?”
Her heart
thumped as Ben hesitated. A frown creased his brow as he stared at the key in
his hand, then back to her. “I’m sure about us. As for the timing, Maisie told
me yesterday that she’s closing the B&B and selling the house.”
Her
stomach dropped, and a rush of heat soared through her at the casual announcement.
“That’s why you asked about moving in?”
“No, that
why I asked now. I could have found other options, but those were
secondary compared to being with you.”
Stacy gave
a mental shake of her head. Only Ben could make words like “options” and “secondary”
seem romantic. She scooted a few inches away. One touch from his hand, and
she’d be the one dragging them into the bedroom.
“I want
this to work so we need to have a serious discussion.”
“I want
this arrangement to work too.” Ben slid across the cushion, removing any and
all space between them. Resting one arm along the back of the sofa, he toyed
with a lock of her hair. “Anything else, we can discuss when the matter
arises.”
She shot a
glare that had no impact on his behavior. “Fine. Let’s start now with money.”
Ben
grunted and removed his arm. “Fine. I’ll cover the expenses if that’ll ease
your mind.”
“Absolutely
not. I’m not going to be a kept woman, and you need to keep enough of your
money to buy me pretty things and take me fun places.” She lifted her arm to
show off the diamond bracelet he’d given her for her birthday and flashed an
impish smile.
Ben
laughed. “I’m sensing a conflict in that logic so let’s table that subject for
now. Speaking of table, what about meals? We still have those cooking lessons
available at Paige’s restaurant. I installed a point-of-sale system and staff
training in exchange for those.”
Stacy
sniffed. “That was a poor business decision.”
“Apparently
so.”
“This is
harder than I thought. Let’s go back to your idea of talking things out when
needed.”
“Excellent
idea… with one exception.” He leaned closer. “It could be a deal breaker.”
Her
breathing slowed, and her eyes widened. She swallowed, then asked, “What?”
“I want
closet space.”
She
thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Let’s discuss those cooking
classes.”
“Uh-uh.
Closet.”
She traced
a finger across his chest. “Since I have the rest of the day off, let’s
celebrate moving in together. We can have a lazy afternoon then go out to
dinner?”
His lips
twitched, a sign he was holding back a laugh. “By lazy, you mean…?”
“My
mistake. I should have said energetic.”
“A good
thing I keep a change of clothes here.”
Her humor
faded as she remembered her promise to be less self-centered. So much for a new
attitude. “Ben, we can go get your things—”
“Nope. We
both have a free afternoon. Let’s take advantage of it. We’re halfway living
together anyway. Let’s not overthink things. I want to be with you. I want to
be here with you.”
She
pressed against him, removing that breath of space. “I want you here too.”
“Besides,
by the time this afternoon is over, you’ll be begging me to take some of that
closet space.”
Stacy
swiveled to her feet, a smooth seductive move that ignited a gleam in Ben’s
eyes. She glanced over her shoulder and crooked a finger for him to follow.
“Challenge accepted.”
About the Author
Dianna Wilkes is an award winning contemporary romance author.
Reading has always been an important part of her life. "I learned to read when I was four years old. Writing my own stories seemed a natural progression."
Dianna holds a B.A.in Visual Communication and a M.Ed.in Instructional Technology. She worked as an Education Consultant for a medical technology company before leaving the corporate world. Despite all that nerdy stuff, she loves creating stories of romance and mystery with touches of humor.
When she isn’t writing, Dianna is deep in researching various branches and twigs on her family tree or fulfilling entries on her travel bucket list.
Contact Links
Twitter: @dwilkesauthor
Instagram: dianna.wilkes
Purchase Links
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A Gentleman for Christmas #newrelease #Christmas #historicalromance Book Blitz @shelleykassian
Holiday Romance, Christmas Romance
Published: November 2021
Publisher: SPK Publishing
Stir-it-up-Sunday only happens once a year, but a grandmother’s Christmas pudding doesn’t tempt Cecily’s appetite half as much as an appealing neighbor. Her deepest secret is safe until she whispers sugar plum nothings in her sleep, and awkwardly, someone overhears. A relationship doesn’t seem possible, but when it becomes apparent that their feelings are mutual, it’s not only class and social status hindering a relationship, but also one stubborn English father.
Logan Campbell, a skilled yet lowly veterinary surgeon, has a talent as an animal whisperer. Popular with the farmers and one English lady, his sentiments can’t administer common sense to the parental obstacle standing in his way. He’s willing to risk it all to secure his heart’s desire, even if it means singing in the church choir. But when a racehorse becomes seriously ill, the ensuing challenge tests his patience and skill. He’ll have to pull out all the stops to secure their future.
Does a veterinary surgeon have the practical knowledge to prevent a tragedy? Will a father accept his daughter’s heartfelt wishes? A Christmas carol and a little lady luck could make this season brighter.
About the Author
Shelley’s taken creative writing courses, holds board positions within professional associations, and retains a Professional Editing Certificate. Drawing on her expertise, she has mentored novice writers, but her passion comes alive while scribing her stories into novel-length fiction. Shelley shares her life with her husband, adores her adult children and three grand pups, and when not relaxing at her seaside cottage, lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
A Dare too Far #historicalromance #newrelease from Charlie Lane . A daring lady. A caring earl. And a Christmas house party that turns love into a dangerous game.
The Debutante Dares Series, Book Two
Historical Romance, Regency Romance,
Release Date: December 2, 2021
Publisher: WOLF Publishing
In this friends-to-lovers Regency romance by Charlie Lane, an independent lady and a cautious earl must do the most daring thing of all—fall in love.
A daring lady.
A caring earl.
And a Christmas house party that turns love into a dangerous game.
The Earl of Abbington is not a daring man.
Responsible for the care of an opium-addicted uncle, George’s life poses dangers to a bride that he’ll never risk. It’s why he avoided the independent and kind Lady Jane last year, despite her brother’s request he protect her during her season. His neglect no doubt led to Jane’s tattered reputation. In reparation, he’s sent pre-approved suitors to the house party to ensure she marries well, not to a man whose life is a nightmare.
Lady Jane is done being daring.
Her daring spirit ruined her reputation, her family’s social standing, and her brother’s marital prospects. But a Christmas house party attended by a coterie of willing suitors can put everything right. Plain of face and ordinary of intellect, Jane knows she’ll never find love. And she doesn’t want it anyway. Love is the most daring thing a woman can do, after all. Instead, she’ll develop a system to test her suitors and discover the best husband for a practical sort of marriage.
Jane needs George’s help choosing a husband, but George soon realizes he can’t give it without betraying his own heart. Together, they must find the courage to face the dangers of love or lose the love of a lifetime.
Other Books in The Debutante Dares Series:
Daring the Duke
The Debutante Dares Series, Book One
Publisher: WOLF Publishing
In this Regency romance by Charlie Lane, a London season of scandalous dares forces a lady and her duke to see that perfect isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.
A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.
And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.
Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.
The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.
Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.
Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts?
About the Author
Charlie writes unique stories with unconventional characters who push against the rigid restrictions of their society. Officially, Charlie has a Ph.D. in literature with a focus on the nineteenth-century novel and children’s literature and answers to Professor. Unofficially, she’s a high-flying circus-obsessed acrobat, with an emphasis on two-tail silks and answers to Muscles Magee. She lives with her own Colonel Brandon, two little dudes, and a furry fella in East Tennessee.
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Authors's Links
Wolf Publishing Links
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Romance #anthology #historicalromance #holidayromance Sealed with a Yuletide Kiss from @BarnesSophie
An Historical Romance Advent Calendar
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Holiday Romance, Romance Anthology
Date Published: November 30, 2021
Allow yourself to be swept away as you count down to Christmas with this collection of twenty-four romantic short stories. From friends to lovers and instant romance to secret identities and so much more, these treats are sure to fill you with warmth this holiday season. So grab a hot drink, settle into your favorite spot, and indulge in the magic of happily ever afters.
Story titles:
December 1: A Drunken Christmas Escapade
December 2: A Royal Affair on Christmas Eve
December 3: A Duke Surrenders His Heart on Christmas Eve
December 4: A Highwayman Proposes on Christmas Eve
December 5: Caught in a Snow Storm on Christmas Eve
December 6: Rescued by a Duke before Christmas
December 7: A Kiss for Christmas
December 8: A Christmas House Party
December 9: Underneath the Mistletoe
December 10: Snowed In on Christmas Eve
December 11: An Unexpected Guest Arrives for Christmas
December 12: At the Christmas Ball
December 13: Trapped in a Carriage on Christmas Eve
December 14: By the Stroke of Midnight
December 15: The Duke Proposes on Christmas
December 16: A Scandalous Dare on Christmas Eve
December 17: A Secret Christmas Rendezvous
December 18: Stealing a Yuletide Kiss
December 19: A Shocking Revelation for Christmas
December 20: Stranded at an Inn during Christmas
December 21: An Unexpected Encounter with a Highlander
December 22: Reunited on Christmas Eve
December 23: Only a Duke Will Do for Christmas
December 24: A Christmas Wedding Gone Awry
About the Author
She has studied design in Paris and New York and has a bachelor's degree from Parson's School of design, but most impressive of all - she's been married to the same man three times, in three different countries and in three different dresses.
While living in Africa, Sophie turned to her lifelong passion - writing.
When she's not busy, dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family. She currently lives on the East Coast.
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Regency #historicalromance Pemberley's Christmas Governess Read a #teaser @reginajeffers A Jane Austen #fanfiction
A Pride and Prejudice Holiday Vagary
Regency Romance, Classic Romance, Jane Austen Fan Fiction
Release Date: November 29, 2021
Publisher: Regency Solutions
Two hearts. One kiss.
Following his wife’s death in childbirth, Fitzwilliam Darcy hopes to ease his way back into society by hosting a house party during Christmastide. He is thrilled when his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam sends a message saying not only will he attend, but the colonel is bringing a young woman with him of whom he hopes both Darcy and the colonel’s mother, Lady Matlock, will approve. Unfortunately, upon first sight, Darcy falls for the woman: He suspects beneath Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s conservative veneer lies a soul which will match his in every way; yet, she is soon to be the colonel’s wife.
Elizabeth Bennet lost her position as a governess when Lady Newland accuses Elizabeth of leading her son on. It is Christmastide, and she has no place to go and little money to hold her over until after Twelfth Night; therefore, when Lieutenant Newland’s commanding officer offers her a place at his cousin’s household for the holy days, she accepts in hopes someone at the house party can provide her a lead on a new position. Having endured personal challenges which could easily have embittered a lesser woman, Elizabeth proves herself brave, intelligent, educated in the fine arts of society, and deeply honorable. Unfortunately, she is also vulnerable to the Master of Pemberley, who kindness renews her spirits and whose young daughter steals her heart. The problem is she must leave Pemberley after the holidays, and she does not know if a “memory” of Fitzwilliam Darcy will be enough to sustain her.
Excerpt
Driving regret from his features, Darcy turned to greet Captain Stewart. “We are pleased you have decided to join us, sir.” He extended his hand in greeting. Outside, he caught a glimpse of a petite woman providing directions to what must be her maid and assisting Darcy’s footmen to separate the gentlemen’s trunks. A frown formed on his forehead. The lady should not be left to sort these things out.
“Welcome, Captain Stewart,” Lady Matlock called as she descended the stairs on her son’s arm.
The captain bowed properly and said, “Thank you and Darcy for accepting my presence along with the colonel.”
“Always glad for more company,” Darcy repeated, while searching the drive once again with his eyes for the woman, who, evidently, had disappeared.
Bingley and his youngest sister appeared to greet the new guests, and, so, Darcy slipped outside to ask Mr. Nathan what had transpired. “Where is the young lady, Nathan?”
“The lady insisted on following her abigail around the house to a ‘less than obtrusive entrance.’ She said she would speak to Mrs. Reynolds at the kitchen entrance.”
“Ridiculous!” Darcy growled as he went after the woman. “Miss! Miss!” he called, using his long legs to overtake her. “Miss, there must be—”
The lady turned to look upon him, and Darcy forgot to breathe. An odd sizzle of recognition swept through him—an emotion he had never felt previously, but one which felt natural, nonetheless, despite it placing his normal complacency on high alert.
The lady was a good head shorter than he, but not quite as petite as he had first thought. Delicate, very feminine features and a fragile bone structure could not disguise the firmness of character he discovered in her expression. Moreover, the lady possessed the type of eyes in which a man could easily become lost. Intelligent eyes. They glistened from the cold, but when they looked at him, Darcy thought he could see a future that had long evaded his multiple attempts at consideration. Her eyes were green with a touch of woodsy brown. Whether he liked it or not, he suspected they would haunt his dreams tonight, but he took quick note they were equally “haunted,” providing the woman a hint of vulnerability—a look which made him want to reach out and tug her into his embrace and offer her his protection.
Holding his hands tightly in fists at his side to keep the tug of possession from claiming his good sense, he said stiffly, “There is some mistake, miss. You are to join us in the family part of the house. The colonel wrote specifically to ask us to welcome you into our home. Please permit me to escort you inside.”
She stared at him with curious interest marking her features. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and Darcy had the distinct feeling a smile on her lips might be his undoing. “I did not wish to interrupt the colonel’s homecoming. He has spoken often of the wonderful times he has spent at Pemberley.” She glanced around. “It is truly a magnificent estate, sir.”
“I am pleased you find it so,” Darcy said, as a smile also claimed his lips. “You should view it in the spring and summer when it is green and full of color.”
She sighed deeply. “I would enjoy doing so very much. When I was—” The lady paused, giving her head a good shake. “My memories are not significant or of interest to you, sir.”
Darcy was not best pleased with her response. He would have liked to hear more of her opinion of his estate and her memories, but, instead, he presented her a slight bow. “Permit your maid to take your bags—” He looked to the girl, who appeared familiar. “I have seen you before, have I not?”
The maid dipped an awkward curtsey. “Yes, sir. I be Mr. Crownley’s daughter, Hannah, sir.”
“Of course,” he said. “I thought you away from home.”
“I was, sir. In Gloucestershire.”
Darcy nodded his acceptance. “I hope your mistress means to allow you to spend time with your family. Crownley will wish to see you for Christmas.”
“I have already told Hannah she may spend as much time as she likes with her family,” the lady explained.
“Good,” Darcy stated. “Then permit Hannah and my men to secure your bags in your quarters, and come away with me.” He offered the woman his arm. “The colonel’s mother is eager to take your acquaintance.”
She hesitated. “But I do not know your name, sir,” she said with a pert lift of her chin and with what sounded of a tease in her tone.
He smiled easily, realizing it had been forever since he had felt this light-hearted. “There is no one about to introduce us. The colonel is in the house,” he reminded her.
The lady glanced over her shoulder to the maid. “Hannah holds both of our acquaintances. Could not she perform the deed?”
Darcy could not look away from the lady’s countenance. He said with another grin of satisfaction for the privilege of speaking to such an enchanting woman, “Miss Crownley, might you provide me the acquaintance of your mistress?”
The maid giggled, but she managed a proper curtsey. “Lard, I never thought—” The girl sobered immediately. “Mr. Darcy, may I give you the acquaintance of Miss Bennet? Miss Bennet, the master of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy.”
“Charmed, Miss Bennet.” He repeated with a bow. “If you have no objections, miss, I would see you inside the house. You must be quite chilled through standing outside for so long. Derbyshire winters are deceptively cold.”
The lady curtseyed. “Charmed indeed, Mr. Darcy,” she said softly, before placing her gloved hand upon his arm.
As he turned her steps toward the main entrance, in Darcy’s mind, time slowed. Desire as he had never known found a place in his chest. Instead of the main door, he was half-tempted to lead the woman to a nearby folly and enjoy more of the lady’s smiles. An insidious whisper pronounced her as his. Yet, when he reached the still open door, reality slapped him in the face.
“There you are, Miss Bennet,” his cousin said as the lady left Darcy’s arm to stand beside his cousin. Edward said, very precisely, “My lady, with your permission, I would give you the acquaintance of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Bennet, my mother, the Countess of Matlock.”
Darcy looked on as the woman, who had just bewitched him with a simple smile, executed a perfect curtsey. “I am humbled, my lady, by your kind recognition.” She glanced to the colonel and smiled largely. “Colonel Fitzwilliam has told me numerous tales of his family.”
The countess arched an eyebrow which said she thought Edward’s actions odd, as did Darcy, for his cousin had shared nothing of the lady with any of his dear family, but Miss Bennet had said something similar to him only moments earlier. Darcy’s aunt smiled her “social” smile. “I believe I speak for all of the colonel’s family in saying we will be most happy to learn more of you, Miss Bennet. For now, welcome to Pemberley.”
From a place on the staircase, Hurst called out, “Now, now, boys. No way for children to act. Louisa, I say do, something!”
Mrs. Hurst caught one of the boys just as Mrs. Anderson came rushing upon the scene. The nurse presented the gathering in the foyer a quick curtsey. “I apologize, Mr. Darcy,” she said, wringing her hands in obvious distress. “I be puttin’ Miss Cassandra down for a nap, and the boys slipped out when Megs was called away to assist Cook. They followed their parents after Mr. and Mrs. Hurst left the nursery.”
Mrs. Anderson’s whole demeanor said she was fearful of Darcy’s disfavor. He did not like the look on the woman, who had been very loyal to his family over the years.
He said, “No harm, Mrs. Anderson. I will ask Mrs. Reynolds to have Megs and another maid take turns in assisting you. I am grieved to have added to your duties. I will see you are readily compensated.”
“I beg your pardon, Mr. Darcy. Might I be of assistance, sir? I would be happy to return the boys to the nursery and entertain them until the maid can return to her duties there.” Miss Bennet’s earnest expression said she spoke honestly. “Surely there are some items in the house which can be used to entertain the boys. Toy soldiers, perhaps, from when you and the colonel were younger. Most large households store such items away as the children age.”
His cousin suggested, “The grey trunk. Hey, Darcy. We kept all our best cavalry in it.”
Darcy nodded his understanding and looked to his butler.
“I believe it was placed in the attic some years back, sir. I can have someone bring it down immediately, Mr. Darcy.”
“We should have done so before now,” Mr. Darcy admitted, although, in reality, it should be the Hursts’ responsibility to see their children were entertained.
Miss Bennet immediately handed her cloak, bonnet, and gloves to Mr. Nathan and then climbed a few steps to claim the hand of first one of the Hurst boys and then the other. “Why do you not come with me? Mr. Darcy has promised us a treasure chest full of toys to explore together. Will that not be grand?”
The youngest of the two said, “Yes, ma’am.”
The lady turned to Darcy. “With your permission, sir,” she murmured.
Darcy attempted to keep the frown from his features, but he knew he failed. “I must object, Miss Bennet. It would be the worst of society to accept a young lady into my home as a guest and then expect her to perform the work of a governess. Neither I nor my household can impose upon your good nature in such a manner.”
“I assure you, sir, I would not feel put upon in any such way. I prefer to make myself useful, and, as my position in society is one of governess, please permit me to assist you.”
Without waiting for his permission, she turned the boys’ steps toward the above storey and gracefully climbed the stairs to where Mrs. Anderson waited to show her the way. As her little party turned toward the nursery, he heard her say, “You must tell me your names. I am Miss Bennet.”
“Governess?” the countess asked her son. “Did Miss Bennet say she was a governess?”
“Yes, she did,” the colonel declared. A look of admiration marked the colonel’s features. “Was it not wonderful how she quite readily took the matter in hand? I am very proud of how quickly Miss Bennet proved herself useful to Darcy.”
“But—” the countess thought to lodge her objection, likely the same objection rushing to Darcy’s lips.
However, Edward claimed his mother’s hand and brought the back of it to his lips. “I will explain later, Countess. For now, I want to freshen my clothes, and, then, I wish to hear all there is to learn of both Roland and father. How is the esteemed Miss Ashley? Is a wedding date set?” He turned to the rest of Darcy’s guests. “I will look forward to hearing something from each of you at supper.” He looked to Darcy. “My customary quarters, I assume.”
“Yes, and the captain is in the blue suite across from you.”
Edward motioned the captain to follow him. “Come, Stewart. Darcy and my mother keep the gentlemen and the ladies in different wings of the house. I will show you the way. If one does not have a guide, he may become lost in a maze of rooms.”
As they all disappeared to different reaches of the house, including the countess and Georgiana, Darcy remained staring off at the point where the lady, who had quite literally sent his heart pounding in a manner he had never experienced previously, had disappeared. Growing up together, Darcy had, most assuredly, idolized his older cousin, for Edward had always appeared stronger and wiser than he, but, until a few moments prior, he thought he had finally caught up to the man; perhaps, even, had outdistanced him in many of the essentials required of an English gentleman. Yet, with absolute certainty, his cousin had once again left Darcy wishing for some “unknown,” which Fitzwilliam possessed.
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