Because history is fun and love is worth working for

Author: Alina K. Field Page 1 of 8

A Questionable Bride for our Illustrious Viscount

Dear Readers,

A letter has arrived with alarming news regarding the pending nuptials of Viscount H and Miss E T. One can scarce believe our finest citizen is bound to someone with so much unresolved mystery surrounding them.

Do read on and decide for yourselves!

Dear Mr. Clemens,

As all members of the ton will be aware, Lord H, Munro’s most influential gentleman, has chosen to cast his eye beyond our proud city and found his bride in the nondescript country town of Ermenbrough.

Miss E T’s father is a wealthy merchant, sans title or connections other than the fact that his bespoke furniture is admired by our Regent. Miss T has been selected to be the new viscountess despite the availability of a myriad worthy daughters from good families in our great northern city.

One can only wonder what sort of negotiations must have occurred between the viscount and Mr. T for the banns to be called in the young lady’s absence and for her to arrive in Munro only ten days before the wedding. How confident can his lordship be in his choice when he has not yet met his bride?

But that is not the worst of it. I have it on good authority that even the simple arrival of the young lady was not without incident. There is talk of a carriage accident, necessitating her to spend the night alone in the woods and then be rescued in the morning by a farmer and his wife on their way to market. I cannot be the only sensible voice in Munro who questions such a story.

It is far more likely that Miss T was not, in fact, alone. Either she is not of the delicate constitution that one would wish for in a fine lady, or she was given assistance during her time in the woods. It was, I recall, a particularly rainy night, and cold. How did she not catch a chill in such conditions? Was there truly a carriage accident at all or was the coachman bribed to allow her a secret rendezvous?

It would not surprise me in the least if she had some country lad who pined for her and could not bear to be parted from her. What if she is no longer all she should be? Does Lord H not deserve a bride whose virtue is without question?

I am sorry to say, but it seems his lordship has chosen poorly. We can only hope no further shocking discoveries are made regarding her character. After all, Lord H’s estate needs an heir, and the question of this heir’s parentage must be beyond reproach.

Let us hope this stranger in our midst, who takes our most eligible gentleman as her prize, does not bring shame to his family, and, thereby, to our fine city.

If anyone has more information before his lordship is bound in marriage next Friday, let them speak up.

A concerned citizen

Ellena’s Secret

An arranged marriage, sight unseen. Or have they met before?

George Howell, a viscount and the most eligible bachelor in Munro, has almost given up on finding a bride. The ladies of the ton only want him for his title, mocking him behind his back for his tongue-tied ways. So when he hears of Ellena Trenton—beautiful, unjaded, and raised to know her duty—he seizes the chance to claim a wife who might accept him as he is.

Ellena believes herself fated to repeat her parents’ joyless marriage. When her ambitious father negotiates her betrothal to Lord Howell, without her even having met him, it seems her worst fears are about to come true. But fate has other plans. As she reluctantly journeys to the city of Munro, a carriage accident leaves her stranded overnight in a woodland cabin with a handsome stranger.

Torn between duty and the stirrings of real feeling, Ellena faces a new challenge when her unscrupulous cousin, driven by greed, stirs up trouble with the viscount. With both her engagement and any hope of a happy marriage at risk, a desperate Ellena decides to take matters into her own hands, with disastrous results.

Lord Howell finds his betrothed a lot more trouble than he expected. What is worse, he suspects her heart lies elsewhere. If only they had had a chance to make a proper first impression… But maybe, just maybe, they can start again.

To be released on 28 March (available now to pre-order)

Buy Link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSQHVQSL

Ellena’s Secret is Book 2 in the 5-book “Ladies of Munro” series.

Ladies of Munro
1) Sophia’s Letter
2) Ellena’s Secret
3) Verity’s Choice (due for release in June)
4) Jillian’s Wild Heart (Due for release in September)
5) Irene’s Fall (Due for release in December)

Note: This series is part of Dragonblade’s Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader’s imagination.

 About the Author

Elizabeth Donne writes award-winning sweet Regency romance, a natural outpouring of a lifelong love affair with English literature.

She has spent most of her life in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2015, Elizabeth moved to Iowa with her husband, their two children, two cats, and their African bush dog.

When she’s not writing, or discovering the secret wonders of the Midwest, she is enthusiastically introducing her visitors to the joys of drinking rooibos tea. With a biscuit, of course.

Social Media Links:

Website and newsletter signup: https://www.elizabethdonnebooks.com

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A Scurrilous Jade

Dear Readers, a letter has arrived with a warning for the ladies and gentlemen of the haute ton. One wonders what to think about this! I of course share it with you and allow you to make your own judgement.

Scandal in the Country!

My Dear Mr. Clemens,

In all my years I have never seen such scandalous behavior on the part of the ladies and gentlemen who it seems are no better than they should be.

I write to apprise your readers of a certain widowed countess who is simply not received by the quality, at least not the quality in the neighborhood of R. Manor where, I shall call her Lady C, made her home, if one might call that den of iniquity a home.

Now, it has come to my attention that she has in fact been trying to reestablish herself in London society! This is some sort of attempt to rehabilitate her reputation, of all things.

In fact, her behavior was so shoddy that the late Lord C is rumored to have disinherited her in a new will executed shortly before his death. Shockingly, the will has disappeared!

One must certainly suspect that Lady C. has found some way to make the document vanish. In fact, one wonders if she had a hand in Lord C’s demise at such a young age, as well as the death of one of the witnesses to the signing of the will and the disappearance of the other witness.

Lord C’s heir is expected to arrive from his travels abroad at any moment and we, his neighbors expect that he will take matters in hand and show the world the true face of this scurrilous jade.

Do not be fooled, good people of London, by a pretty face and an appearance of gentility. I am sure you will know about whom I am writing.

Sincerely,

A Respectable Hampshire Matron

Her Impeccable Scoundrel

Anxious to save a cherished inheritance, Blythe Blatchfield, widowed Countess of Chilcombe, knows she must repair her reputation with the Beau Monde in order to face the powerful marquess challenging her dissolute husband’s will. She vows to resist handsome rogues like her late husband, and to never again give her trust so blithely. But when the new earl, absent from England for many years, finally appears, new rumors swirl around Blythe. Facing the loss of everything, she finds herself needing the help of an old enemy, the man whose interference years earlier led to her unhappy marriage, the new Earl of Chilcombe.

Called back to England to take up his late cousin’s title, diplomat Graeme Blatchfield is eager to see his cousin’s widow and learn for himself whether the rumors about the woman he once held a childish infatuation for are true. Having plunged into marriage with the last earl—Graeme’s fault for revealing their tryst—she’s been tainted by her husband’s decadence.  Forced by matters of the estate to spend time together, he soon discovers the vulnerable and lonely woman underneath the society mask. Can he get her to forgive him—and more?

Available for Preorder

Her Impeccable Scoundrel is Book 44 in the Wicked Widows League multi-author series.

Release Day is 11/18/25

Buy Link

https://books2read.com/HerImpeccableScoundrel

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the happier world of romance fiction. Her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., but after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with a golden-eyed terrier and a feisty chihuahua and only occasionally misses snow.

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What was happening in Lincoln?

Dear readers, we interrupt our regular gossip column this week, to bring you a bit of delicious reporting from our archives.

Back in the day, before we even had periodicals, when messages were passed by memory and entrusted to messengers on horseback, our old medieval forbears were facing a problem.

If you paid attention in finishing school or listened to your governess, you might recall a little period of tumultuous fighting amongst the English, known as ‘the Anarchy’. For about twenty years during the 1100s, King Stephen and his wife Queen Matilda, fought against Empress Maud for the English crown, and control of the country.

One the key battles in their campaigns happened in Lincoln, in February, 1141. Our little gossip pertains to a young woman of humble origin, a baker’s daughter, Bronwyn Blakenhale. From what we hear, this young woman and her father, accepted an ordinary order for bread rolls from an aristocrat.

The only problem is that when the poor girl delivered the rolls to the castle, she spotted someone tinkering with the rolls, and despite raising a fuss, Miss Blakenhale’s protests were overlooked. Ignored, from the sounds of it.

Is it any surprise then, dear reader, that the rolls ended up killing the very same nobleman who placed the order, and made another man ill? For the bread was poisoned. If only people had listened to the fair young Bronwyn.

Some people thought it was all a plan by the nobleman to poison the king and queen at dinner. And who better than to blame the bakers from outside the castle? Others believed that it was the pair of bakers themselves who sought to do away with the royal couple, and blame it on the nobleman.

Who can people believe when the nobleman himself is dead? And all because of a bit of bread.

We know what happened, and so can you. At the time, Miss Blakenhale’s father was imprisoned, for the royal couple needed to enact justice and punishment in some way. Although our historians tell us that the queen herself gave Miss Blakenhale the task of finding out who really poisoned the bread rolls, if she wanted to truly prove her father’s innocence.

But that’s not all. Our sources tell us that Miss Blakenhale has not one, but two admirers, who are both vying for her attention. Could she lose her heart along the way? For if there’s one thing we love, it’s a bit of romantic distraction.

Did Miss Blakenhale save her father from the noose? Did she find out who attempted to kill the king and queen? Did Miss Blakenhale survive the historic Battle of Lincoln?

Read on and find out in Winter’s Poison.

Winter’s Poison

Bronwyn Blakenhale’s world is about to turn upside down. A young baker who wants a bit of independence from her simple life in twelfth-century Lincoln, she gets involved in courtly politics when an expensive order for bread rolls leaves one man dead at the king’s table, and all fingers point at her and her father.

With her father imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, Bronwyn is tasked by the queen to find out who poisoned the rolls and likely meant to kill the royal family. But with her father surrounded by men loyal to the opposing empress, spies afoot in the castle, and a poisoner on the loose, Bronwyn’s time is short. Now, if only she didn’t have young men like the squire Rupert to distract her.

Rupert Bothwell, the squire of a knight, has a friendly smile for everyone, including a beautiful lady at court who admires him, but he insists on walking Bronwyn home at night. Is he just being chivalrous or is there something more? But Bronwyn has more to deal with, as a childhood friend steps in to help her family’s bakery and makes it clear he doesn’t want her friendship, but her heart.

From feuding factions and turncoat knights at court to castle prisons and an invading army on the horizon, Bronwyn must find the killer and prove her father’s innocence—or lose all that she holds dear. In a world dominated by intrigue and murder, Bronwyn might just surprise everyone and prove that she is no ordinary baker.

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Winters-Poison-Medieval-Historical-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DTWVCYT5?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Author bio

E.L.Johnson is an ex-pat from Concord, Mass, now living in the UK. She is currently an author with Dragonblade Publishing and recently finished a five-book historical mystery series set in Georgian-era England. Last year, one of her short stories was nominated for Best of the Net anthology, and she was a guest speaker for the Writer’s Workout first annual writing conference. For the second year in a row, she was a volunteer reader for the Orwell Youth Prize for the longlist and shortlisted entries. Johnson is a member of the Hertford Writers’ Circle and runs the London Seasonal Book Club, a monthly book club with over 3500 members.

Social media links

Twitter: @ELJohnson888 or https://twitter.com/ELJohnson888

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What Happened Behind Closed Doors?

Dateline June 1818

Dear Readers,

We interrupt our regular discussion of events in the metropolis to relay a report from one of our correspondents in the country. We hope our readers recall the hullaballoo that occurred at the Duke of C’s starlight ball in April, but in case any have forgotten, allow us to remind you that Lady H was caught kissing the newly-married Col. L. This is no speculation, but incontrovertible fact, having been witnessed by many persons of note. Naturally, Lady H’s family packed her off to the country—specifically, to a vicarage in Lancashire occupied by her brother, Lord F.

One might have hoped that Lady H had learned her lesson, but such seems not to be the case. This author has been informed that during Lady H’s very own birthday celebration, she disappeared from the ballroom in the company of a young curate, Mr. B. We would not wish to think ill of any man of a cloth, but Mr. B and Lady H were gone from the ballroom for nearly a quarter of an hour. Rumor has it they were closeted together in an empty chamber; one can only speculate as to what transpired therein.

What happened behind closed doors may forever remain a mystery, but this author wonders if Lady H, having already soiled her good name, is now flaunting propriety entirely. Perhaps she is willing to offer liberties to any good-looking man who desires them. A shocking thing to imply about a peer’s daughter, you say? Indeed, but some misadventure must have occurred. Why else would Mr. B abruptly depart from the gathering, without a word of farewell to any of the other guests?

Our correspondent also reports that when Lady H returned to the ballroom, she appeared pale and distraught. Indeed, it was bruited about that she had been indisposed by a “bad headache.” But we question whether a mere headache—no matter how painful—could account for all the concern shown by her family. Her brother, Lord F, was observed looking “surprisingly grim,” while the hostess of the party (reputedly Lady H’s natural cousin!) spent the rest of the evening hovering by Lady H’s side.

Altogether, we think a scandal may be brewing in this rural corner of Lancashire. Indeed, moments before this article was to go to press, a second letter arrived, announcing a fire in the village. One might assume this new disaster was unrelated to the mysterious disturbance at the birthday party, were it not for one intriguing fact: the young curate, Mr. B, had his lodgings in the house that burned down!

Could there be some connection between the two events? Only time will tell, but be sure that when it does, The Teatime Tattler will keep its loyal readers informed!

The Incident at Ingleton

A lady in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a reputable husband…

After a heartbreaking public scandal, Lady Hester Bracknell flees London and the ton to live with her brother in the country. In rural Ingleton, she meets two very different young men: dashing Neville Butler, a curate with an interest in philanthropy, and serious, bespectacled Walter Haworth, scion of a wealthy merchant family. Hester needs to avoid all romance, lest she further damage her reputation, but sometimes love has other plans…

Walter Haworth is hot on the trail of the criminal who embezzled money from his families’ holdings. His search unwittingly leads him to his cousins’ country estate where an unexpected gathering may hold the answers – and criminal – he seeks. He can’t afford any distractions, but Lady Hester Bracknell may derail his mission in the best of ways…

Coming from different social classes and driven by different interests, Hester and Walter seem to have nothing in common. But as the social gatherings of a little country town continually bring them together, they might find love, if they can move past unfavorable first impressions.

Excerpt:

Not wanting to overdress for a country dinner, she donned a simple white muslin gown. She reached into her jewelry box for her garnet heart pendant, then hesitated. Simon had given the necklace to her as a love-token. He’d led her out to a moonlit garden, clasped the golden chain around her neck, and kissed her. She’d gone to bed that night with a heart overflowing with joy, certain that a proposal would soon be forthcoming.

No, she could not wear that pendant now. Maybe never again.

Tears stung her eyes, but she held them back, knowing that crying would worsen her headache. Besides, she couldn’t go down to dinner with reddened eyes or a tear-stained face. Everyone would see her distress, and wonder what was wrong. She couldn’t allow that. No one in Ingleton was supposed to know about Simon or the scandal that had driven Hester out of London.

Hester firmly closed the drawer holding the pendent, wishing she could as easily close the door on all the mistakes of the past six months. Instead of the little red heart, she donned a necklace of coral beads. That would be ornament enough. She studied her reflection one last time, nodded, and forced herself up from her chair. Time to go play the part of a proper young lady.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Incident-Ingleton-Regency-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DPJM9N1H

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-incident-at-ingleton-anne-rollins/1146717231

About the Author

Anne Rollins is the pen name of an English professor who lives in Northern California with her family, her pets, and an enormous collection of books. She is a fan of Diana Wynne Jones and Jane Austen, two authors who have influenced her writing. Today, she writes both sweet and spicy historical romance, sometimes blended with other genres. The Incident at Ingleton is the third book in the “Beau Monde Secrets” series of closed-door, standalone Regency romances with mystery subplots.

Social Media Links:

https://www.instagram.com/annerollins23

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Debutante bests a band of robbers and keeps her honor

Dear Readers,

Alas, while there are daily reports of criminal activity in our great metropolis, such incidents happen in the countryside as well. Here is one most interesting story from a correspondent about criminals in the countryside, and the heroic young lady who foiled them: 

The aftermath of this summer’s raid upon R Manor (formerly known as B Manor) continues. It is not just stolen valuables that the Rs need concern themselves.

The neighbors are abuzz with chatter about the daughter, C.R, a young, most beautiful debutante. During this brazen act of robbery, she most bravely prevailed against unimaginable evils.

The ruthless devils kidnapped poor Miss R, keeping her hostage while they searched for a vault totally unconnected with her family. Through no fault of her or her family, you see. The thieves believed the vault was left behind by the previous family who occupied the home, The Bs.

This name, my readers may know. Before their fall from society–which I’m afraid is a story for another column–they once hosted the most lavish parties. Perhaps you remember them? Though, for some, they may be little more than a blur…

Hosted by Mrs. B, a woman hailing from the mysterious Philippines, these gatherings are believed to be the most strange and exotic parties known to society. That was, perhaps, the attraction. I, myself, attended a few in my day and I daresay their memory lives up to their reputation.

These parties are far from the only infamy that haunts the home, though. A hoard of gold has long been rumored to be stashed away in the ancient manor–stolen, it is said, from a forgotten mine.

But the thieves were deceived. They may have greed but wisdom they do not. If they read my column, they might have known that that portion of the countryside is rife with false rumors. The Northern Woods, especially, are believed to be haunted. They say a young and handsome soldier still wanders the woods on his war horse. Considering that lie, who would be foolish enough to believe the others?

I want to remind my readers that the thieves’ grave error should not fall to Miss R. It is despicable that there should be any harsh chatter toward Miss R and her reputation, especially as she, alone, saved the lives of not just her family but many servants. Despite being shackled and locked away in the manor’s library, she fought off the robbers and managed to escape and lead everyone to the nearest estate, owned by the N family. This, the family themselves have confirmed!

Once there, the Ns found her fully clothed–I must mention–and with far more than just her honor intact. To best a band of robbers is a true act of courage that no one, not even the highest ranking war general can deny of her.

Before you consider all that may or may not have happened during her kidnapping, which I have it on good authority did not happen, I hope you’ll consider her acts of bravery. Most ladies in society swoon at the mere mention of highwaymen. Miss R, however, overcame them all.

Any man in the highest circles of society would be lucky to win her hand and add her fine breeding to their family line. If she can save the lives of countless others from the harshest of circumstances, she can no doubt raise children to be as strong and brave as she. Running a household would come at no trouble at all to such a lady.

The Sapphire Heiress (Book 1 in the Silver Order series)

A historical romance with adventure and fantasy:

A pirate who walks amongst the highest circles of society.

A governess desperate to escape servitude.

“Exciting, dramatic, romantic; infused with magic, danger and mystery, The Sapphire Heiress reinvents the historical romance.

Wondering what Historical Romantasy looks like? This is it.”

– New York Times Bestselling Author Amanda Quick

In Victorian England, the Silver Order has kept its supernatural discoveries hidden for centuries. Those who seek its secrets must always pay a price…

Mae Blackthorne, the daughter of an English shipbuilder and a Filipina immigrant, has been taught to ride sidesaddle, embroider pillows, and dance the waltz. So when her brother disappears at sea, she hasn’t a clue what to do when the family’s shipbuilding business falls into bankruptcy.

It isn’t long before Mae is penniless. Or so she believes. Forced to accept a post as governess in the very home she was raised in, Mae takes on the challenge in good spirits. Yet she is restless and yearns for the life of adventure her daredevil father and brother once had. That is, until she meets Ethan Locke, a pirate who offers her an enticing opportunity to recover her secret inheritance.

Unbeknownst to Mae, her family used their shipbuilding business to shroud generations of successful piracy. Locke, who was once partners with her father, has an old score to settle. He claims that her father stole from him an object of great value: a sapphire that can stop its wearer from growing old. As her father’s last surviving heir, Mae is Locke’s only hope of finding this supernatural jewel hidden amidst her family’s secret fortune.

Agreeing to work together and split the fortune amongst themselves, they share an instant spark of attraction. But they’re not alone in their search. The original owners of the sapphire, who operate an elite secret society, are far more powerful than Mae and Locke could have ever imagined. As danger closes in and the supernatural proves real, Mae fears she has much more to lose than just a second chance at a new life.

Pirates of the Caribbean meets Jane Eyre, THE SAPPHIRE HEIRESS is a suspense-filled historical romance perfect for fans of Amanda Quick.

Buy on Amazon for 99c or read for free in Kindle Unlimited.

About the author:

Ella Leon writes historical romantasy full of intrigue and suspense. Her debut historical romantasy series will be released in 2025 with Dragonblade Publishing. During her 9-5 career, she has delved into many different styles of writing: journalism, public relations and marketing. Fiction, however, is where she finds the most freedom to transform the page. Like the Victorians she writes about, she loves all things gothic and supernatural. Unlike the Victorians, she is a feminist who enjoys exploring the precolonial past. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her family or tending to her rose garden. She lives in the Chicago area.

Find all my social media and purchase links for my books here: linktr.ee/ellaleon

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Excerpt

April 1842, Bristol, England

Lightning crashed on the moor, this time nearby. When her horse reared skyward, Mae Blackthorne strained to stay upright.

“Stand firm!” she shouted. Her dapple-gray gelding jerked back before righting himself. “Easy.”

With the threat of rain imminent, their only cover was the Northern Woods ahead, but not even her horse, Thomas, dared to enter. Gaining on a web of lifeless trees, he snorted and pulled back.

“Quiet…” Mae rubbed his black mane. “It’s no more than a bunch of trees.”

The words worked to reassure Mae, too. It took only another glance to freeze the blood in her veins. The trees were so dense that the ground had darkened to black, and inside, all was still and silent. Not a single insect, bird, or other small creature moved in the brush. There was only the whispering of leaves.

She risked a look behind her. The last of the evening’s light was gone. Dark, angry clouds rolled over the horizon. In the far distance, rain fell in thick, hazy streaks and bursts of lightning tore through a slate-colored sky. Blast. She’d thought she had more time.

Mae considered her options. There seemed little else to do but risk an awful cold. Her breaths grew shorter.

he was far not only from the Rosewood estate, but from town, too. She had one option. Cutting through the woods had always been an obvious shortcut, though she’d never dared take it. Just the thought made her tremble. She cursed herself. What did she have to fear of the dark forest? No matter how difficult the terrain, Mae was sure she could cross it.

To hell with the servants’ ghost stories. Yanking the reins, she twisted Thomas toward the trees. Snorting again, he continued to resist. Only after the second pulse of thunder did he ease forward.

Past the threshold of trees, the darkness deepened. Cold moisture coated Mae’s skin. Amidst the rocks and fallen branches, Thomas struggled to maintain his footing.

Mae mouthed a silent prayer. She had assumed she was alone, probably for miles, and therefore helpless when a white light flickered out in the distance.

“Who trespasses here?” A voice broke through the still air.

Mae’s throat tightened before she could respond.

The white haze grew brighter in the mist, approaching rapidly until it stung her eyes.

“Whoever you are, you encroach upon private property,” a man said, his voice unrecognizable. Not a local, nor vagabond, given his accent and well-formed words.

“I—I didn’t know anyone owned this land.” Mae squinted.

The man lowered his light. He eyed her the same way everyone did when they noticed her deep-olive complexion. With practice, she had become skilled at ignoring it.

“I was only trying to escape the storm.”

“I imagine you were. And your companions?” Locke swung out the lantern to pan the forest.

“I have none, sir. I was just out for an evening ride.”

“I see,” he said, though he continued to eye her suspiciously. “Your destination?”

Mae straightened, the personal inquiry giving her pause. “Home. No more than an hour’s ride—”

“An hour’s ride!” he exclaimed. “The storm will be upon us at any moment. You must allow me to escort you to my home. It’s not far.” He lifted his lantern, once again shining the light in her eyes. “What, may I ask, is the name of my guest?”

She swallowed. The last thing she wanted was to establish an acquaintance the man might soon regret. In this case, it was entirely unnecessary. “Sir, please, I wouldn’t like to intrude… The distance will be no trouble at all.” Mae jerked the reins to pass him, but his horse moved too, blocking her path.

Damn stubborn man.

“If you care to divulge your name, I can judge that for myself. I know every prominent family in the county and the distances of their estates.”

Silhouetted in the weak light of the lantern, she struggled to make out his face. Whether friendly or harsh, she could not tell.

“You are the lady of the estate, are you not?”

He clearly could not make her out in this darkness, either.

“No, sir. I didn’t mean to imply…” Mae blushed. “I have no estate. I’m no more than a governess.”

“Ah.”

“Sir, if you please…”

Lightning crashed again.

The man’s head tilted toward the sky. “The storm’s gaining on us. Come. I live just beyond those trees.”

To Mae’s shock, he pointed west. The forest went on for miles in that direction. The distance to another home in that direction would be greater than that to her own destination. Unless… Mae’s breath caught in her chest. He couldn’t possibly live within the Northern Woods. She lifted a cynical brow. Impossible. She would have heard.

Before she could question him, he disappeared. Curious now, Mae clucked her tongue, ordering Thomas forward. Between the trees, she could make out a subtle path, allowing for a safe gallop. Perhaps the home would be new.

Thunder roared again. As heavy sheets of rain crashed down, she quickened her speed. Shearing through the forest, she gained on the man. Skilled as she was, she sped ahead in a spray of mud.

But keeping her fast pace was no easy task. Her horse writhed with each long stride. Battered by the rain, her hands stiffened. Every muscle ached with fatigue.

The fog had thickened too, transforming the trees and rocks into dense, black shadows. Seeing a boulder, Mae yanked the reins just in time to leap over a fallen tree.

When she landed, the shadow of a building appeared seemingly out of the mist. She breathed in deeply with surprise. Not once had she heard of this man. All along, he had been her neighbor.

She pulled Thomas to a skidding stop. In the clearing stood a stone manor, stately yet modest in size. A burst of lightning illuminated the ivy that crawled its walls.

Mae swept round. A set of hooves squished in the mud, effectively catching her off-guard. The stranger was by her side.

“’Tis by good chance I found you.” He laughed, lifting his face toward the sky as if to relish the rain.

“And the name of my rescuer?”

“Forgive me. Ethan Locke.”

For a few moments, Mae forgot the rain. She held his steady gaze, his eyes no more than two glinting lights in the gloom. How on earth had she never heard of this man? The mystery surrounding him made her instantly suspicious.

 

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt! If you’d like to read more, The Sapphire Heiress is 99c on Amazon or in Kindle Unlimited, click here!

 

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