An Eligible Viscount has Vanished from Town
Dear Reader,
This esteemed periodical has learned that the loveable rake about town, the much reported Viscount H, had to hurry home. There is some talk of his parents being taken advantage of in some way, and he felt obliged to save them from their folly. With all that the family has suffered, it is no wonder our delicious viscount is concerned.
We are intrigued to know exactly what has prompted the normally devil-may-care Viscount to withdraw from the season. It seems almost responsible behaviour on his part, which is a shock in itself.
The debutantes are distraught that such an eligible bachelor has left town, a double pity when he is one of the handsome ones and as yet has not secured a match. I am sure it is not unreasonable to say that this season has not offered the debutantes the best of choice with some of the young (and old) gentlemen looking for a wife. Perhaps one or two may shine now Viscount H is no longer the centre of attention? We can always hope.
As eager as we are to find out what has caused his hasty departure, do not worry dear reader, there is still enough scandal to fill our pages, even without Viscount H amongst us. We have appreciated all he has provided us with to keep us amused, but there is always someone determined to be the talk of the town.
We doubt that anyone will get the better of Viscount H and wish him well on his quest, but assure you that the moment we hear more, we will report every detail.
A Winter’s Romance: A Regency Anthology
From runaway ladies and reformed rakes to not-so-resigned spinsters and harassed heirs, there is something for everyone in this collection of delightful stories by GL Robinson, Christina Dudley, Jayne Davis, Judith Hale Everett, Penny Hampson, and Audrey Harrison.
The Viscount’s Christmas Runaway by Audrey Harrison
A young lady’s flight from a horrific marriage proposal forces her to a life on the London streets, but the kindness of a stranger may lead her to a happily ever after.
Extract
That night, Louisa could not sleep after the conversations with Lord and Lady Hindley. She climbed out of the bed she shared with Rosie and curled up on the chair in front of the fire, her mind full.
On hearing a sound from downstairs, she stiffened. It was late, so why would anyone be up at this time? She remained still until the fear that had made her escape from home drove her to her feet. She might only be in her nightclothes, but she could hide if needed.
Creeping out of the room, she peeped over the banister and was surprised to see a young man hugging a dishevelled footman. Her curiosity had her remaining in place rather than withdrawing.
“Stanley, you are a diamond,” the young man said, releasing the footman but slapping him on the back. “Or can only women be diamonds? I’m sure I do not know, but whatever it is, you, my good man, are it.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“I have to get to bed before Father realises I am here. Don’t need a lecture to spoil tonight. I have been introduced to a new gaming hell, and even better, it is just round the corner! I can stay here and be the prodigal son.”
“Let me help you upstairs, my lord.”
“No, you are a ruby among men for opening the door, I am able to walk upstairs. Now shh, we don’t want to wake the parents.”
Louisa could only smile at the antics of the viscount. She should have been disgusted, knowing his reputation, but instead felt nothing but amusement. His actions were endearing; he was very handsome and well-dressed, but he was obviously in his cups and looked smilingly relaxed as a result. His words were slightly slurred, but he was very cheerful, and never having seen the good humour of a foxed individual, she could not help but see the funny side of the situation.
She watched him with the same concern as the footman who was following him upstairs. It was a case of one step forward and two back, but eventually he safely reached the top stair. Louisa suddenly recalled herself and moved to return to her bedchamber, but her action caught his attention.
“Hallo! Who is this?” Miles asked as he tried to bring her into focus. At Louisa’s silence, he smiled. “You must be a nymph and a beautiful one at that.”
Louisa was mortified that Miles’s first sight of her was in her nightclothes, not to mention the footman, who still hovered in the background.
Miles took a couple of steps towards Louisa, who remained frozen to the spot. “You really are a sight to behold. Would you allow me to introduce myself?” He bowed deeply. “Oh dear, I seem to have forgotten who I am.”
Louisa could not help giggling at the befuddled expression on his face, but at her reaction, he grinned at her.
“Ah, I have made you smile, my fair one. Please know that I am a wastrel and a cad, but I would very much like to kiss you.”
Louisa took a step back, but thankfully the footman intervened. “My lord, your chamber is this way.”
“Do you know Stanley?” Miles asked Louisa without waiting for a response. “He is an emerald among men. Right you are, Stanley, lead the way.” Turning away from her, Miles looked back over his shoulder. “I will be dreaming of you, my sweet nymph.”
The moment Miles had gone, Louisa dashed into her bedchamber, closing and locking the door. She should have retreated when she first saw that the late visitor was no threat to her, but she had been attracted to a handsome face and teasing nature. Now her cheeks burned to think what he would remember in the morning. Her mortification did not dampen the stirring she felt at being flirted with for the first time. It was a strange but enjoyable sensation. Climbing back into bed, she knew without doubt that she would fall asleep with a smile on her face.
About the Author, Audrey Harrison
Hello, thank you for having me. I am an English writer of Regency romance from the North West of England. I live halfway between Liverpool and Manchester, in a very working class town called Wigan. I’ve been indie publishing since 2011, it started because traditional publishers told me that there was no market for Regency romance! I am married with two grown-up children and two gorgeous grandchildren, plus a mad foster dog (hoping to adopt her) and two granddogs. Life is usually chaotic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A shy child, I lost myself in books. They gave me the friends and adventures I needed and I have never stopped reading. I would write stories as a child, resulting in my first novel when I was sixteen, but life, family, and mortgages meant that I had no opportunity to follow that path. I think I wouldn’t have appreciated it as much if I had been younger, whereas now I feel very privileged to be able to follow my dream.
I’ve always wanted to write, but people from a working class background don’t become authors. I worked in the public sector and then a hospital stay and the chance at voluntary redundancy was the prod that I needed. It took a few more years before I published because I had no idea about ebooks, but I have never regretted a day of taking the risk and indie publishing. I would love to achieve more, write more and build my readership. I love what I do but I never take it for granted and am always humbled that readers enjoy my stories.
I have nearly forty Regency romances available on ebook or paperback. This venture of being part of an anthology is something new and exciting to me. I will always suffer from imposter syndrome, but the chance to work with five other talented authors was too tempting an opportunity to miss. I love that the stories are all based around winter, the perfect time for snuggling down with a nice book!
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