The conclusion is finally here! Hopefully some of the steamy scenes in this novella will be enough to melt that white curse and chills away.
Before I share an excerpt from my upcoming release I wanted to apologize to my fellow authors here on the blog, and most of all, you the reader. Life as it were, has been incredibly challenging lately with familial obligations, work, and a death in the family.
2016 is turning out to be a year of re-releases for me, and you can expect two new books later this year. You can check out the cover reveal for my highlander romance
here.
So without further ado, how about something short and sweet to look forward to on Monday.
Cordelia
nodded as the marquess ran through her instructions. The beautiful, dark blue
gown that he and his wife had gifted her with was reminiscent of the style of
gown that suited her the most. Since having Matthew, although she had kept her
hourglass figure, she was a bit more top heavy as she was still nursing him.
The black velvet cape that Isabel had loaned her covered every nuance of her
body that would make her recognizable to the ton.
The marquess stepped out of the carriage and helped her
down. Cordelia kept her gaze on the cobblestones leading up to Bastian’s door.
“My lord, ma’am. If you will follow me to the library, I
will see if my master is up for a visit,” the butler declared with a scowl.
“I hope he is not too busy? We have much to discuss, and
it is very important. Let him know that an audience with him is imperative.”
Overly tall and lean, the man had to be near ancient. He
furrowed his brows, squinting for only a moment, as if discerning how to
deliver—or more accurately, interrupt, Wycliffe. “Very well, sir, please wait
here in his library.”
“That went well.”
“That is only the beginning. I wonder…Cordelia, if you
were to stand in the corner by that bookcase…” He pointed to the opposite side
of the room where it was dark.
She nodded and made haste before anyone walked in on them.
“Perfect,” the marquess commented a short moment before
the butler entered.
“His lordship will join you momentarily. He only needs to
dress. May I offer you and the lady some refreshment?”
“No, that will not be necessary. I do not plan on staying
long.”
The butler bowed and left, Bastian arriving soon after.
Cordelia noticed that his hair was mussed at the back. Has he been entertaining a woman upstairs? Has he truly moved on and
found another lover? Her heart sank at the prospect. How could he replace me so…so…so…soon? It has not even been a full
year.
Her hands trembled beneath her cape, and she could barely
stand on her own. How she wanted to throw her arms around him and tell him how
much she missed him.
“Thompson! What is so important that it could not wait
until morning? Has anything happened?”
“Be easy, man. I assure you, Isabel and Emily are fine. I
simply came here to escort a woman who desperately wanted to see you.”
He scoffed. “If this has anything to do with Mary
Elizabeth, I—”
The marquess nodded, and Cordelia stepped forward into the
glowing light of the fireplace. Bastian turned toward her, and when she lifted
the hood of the cape, his eyes widened and his mouth gaped before he crashed to
the floor from swooning.
“Oof! I have to
admit, I did not quite expect that response.”
Cordelia abandoned her cape where she stood and ran over
to him, dropping to her knees. Good
heavens! What have I started? The man probably thought he was staring at a
ghost. “Wake up, my love!” she whispered as the butler walked in.
“What happened?”
“He just swooned. I have it under control. If he was
entertaining upstairs, can you see to the lady and have her sent home immediately?
He will need some rest, and I am certain he will want some privacy.”
“Certainly, sir. I shall have her removed immediately.”
So, he was
entertaining another woman. How could he… Fury simmered beneath the surface
of her calm facade. Why had he never come to confirm if the reports were true?
She always knew Richard would never waste a minute on her, but Bastian…They
were so close. Kindred spirits. He should have been able to feel, somehow, that
she was alive.
Disappointment washed over her. Instead of fawning over
his swoon, Cordelia jumped to her feet, walked over to sideboard, and grabbed a
bottle of port. Then, she returned to him and began to unscrew the cork.
“Cordelia, what are you doing?”
“Getting him to come out of his swoon.”
“With that?”
“Yes. Do you take issue with my course of action, my
lord?”
The marquess stepped away and waved for her to continue.
“If you would rather leave, I am quite capable of waking
and caring for him.”
“I will leave the two alone once I am assured you can
stay. Though we should not stay too late.”
“And I assure you, my lord, once I have said what I have
to say, he will probably want me removed from the premises immediately.”
“In that case, I will wait in the hall for you.”
Once his lordship closed the door behind him, she dumped
the bottle of port over Bastian’s face. He sputtered at first, and when his
eyes opened wildly, followed by oaths being muttered, he stared at her and
jumped to his feet.
“Damnation, woman! You are alive!”
He practically collided into her to embrace her, and all
she could do was slap him. Her hand stung from the impact. She instantly
regretted her action, but how else was she to express her displeasure at his
courting another woman?
Bastian growled at her. “What in the world was that for?”
“That was for not looking for me! And if I were you, I
would stay back. I am liable to slap you again for entertaining other female
guests.”
“Cordelia…please!”
I hope you'll consider checking out my other titles in the series as it's recommended to read them first. If this snippet has convinced you to read on, you can find the first 2 books: Scandal at Vauxhall #1, and A Sinful Education #2 where ebooks are sold.
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