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It's Here!

Book Two in The Huntington Saga Series Novels~

Pirate Bride!

Miss Susannah Blakemore is kidnapped and sold into white slavery as payback to the Huntingtons. Will her pirate hero save her?

“The Huntingtons will pay. Oh, they will pay.” Plots and unholy alliances are put into action carrying out long-awaited retribution.

Only … one was not thought of. One was not even considered. How would anyone have guessed that a descendant of a pirate would take up his old family tradition in a mad quest to regain his bitterly lost love? The Marquess of Latham will not abide by this act of violence arranged for his precious love, but will surely save her -- will he not? And will he make her the next pirate bride?

Next? There must be a first to have a 'next'. But there was another ... centuries ago ... that still walks the halls of Stonecrest Castle.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Friday, July 8, 2011 -- BiWeekly Blog -- The Governess

Excerpt from The Governess -- Chapter 10 concluded:

            Lord Huntington nodded his head to his private secretary, Mr. Baldwin, unnoticed by Carly until now.  As he opened the door, Nanny shuffled the children in, scooting them forward, curtseying and turning, and quietly leaving.  Silently, they came in seemingly especially well behaved.  They both acted timid around their father, let alone Lady Blakemore.  Lord Huntington came around his desk and sat on the sofa patting it for them to come to him.  “Come children.”  They gathered on either side of him.  Smiling at them, he said, “Jonathon, Elspeth, I would like to present you both to your new governess, Lady Carly Blakemore, but you may call her Miss Blakemore like most governesses like to be called.” 
            Elspeth smiled a cute knowing smile and curtsied as she said, “How do you do Miss Blakemore?” 
            Jonathon said, more stiffly, as he made a slight bow, “How do you do, Miss Blakemore?” 
            Carly nodded to them both, saying, “I am well, thank you—and you?” 
            “Very well and thank you,” they said simultaneously. 
            Carly saw the pride in Lord Huntington’s face, even reaching his eyes.  She was pleased. 
Lord Huntington continued, “Jonathon is eight years old and Elspeth is seven.”  Touching little Elspeth’s nose when he said this, Carly was glad to see him show some affection.  Then Lord Huntington became serious.  “Jonathon, Elspeth.  I would like you to take exceedingly good care of Miss Blakemore, is that understood?” 
They both nodded, saying, “Yes, sir.” 
“You will do as she asks please, and you will work hard at your lessons.  No tricks.”  He particularly eyed Jonathon.  Even Elspeth peeked at Jonathon for a quick second. 
Again, they nodded, saying, “Yes, sir.” 
“She in return will treat you very well, I am sure.  I have every confidence in her.”  These last words were said while looking directly at Carly, his feelings being that he, indeed, was turning over his children into good hands. 
Carly was hopeful for his confidence. 
            “Now, I wish for you to get to know each other today.  No lessons.”  The children’s eyes brightened with excitement.  “Be extra good and there will be a special dessert for you tonight.”  This brought a smile even to Jonathon’s face, since Mrs. Wilder, their nanny, did not spoil them with many desserts.  “Lady Blakemore, you may choose how you wish to spend your day with the children, getting to know each other.”  Lady Blakemore was in agreement with a smile upon her face. 
He could tell she was excited to get on with their day, as she nodded her head, so he said, “You may be excused, and…have a wonderful day.”  Smiling at each of his children, and also at Lady Blakemore, he felt satisfaction that she was as excited as she seemed to be with his children, and they, also, seemed excited to be with her.  This was a first and very rewarding to behold. 

                                                                                                    
            As Carly left the study with her new pupils in tow, she said with a smile.  “What shall we do today, any ideas?”  Stopping in the middle of the hallway, she turned to them, waiting for an answer. 
Both Jonathon and Elspeth just looked at her, but Elspeth had an extra little wiggle about her person.  Carly could tell she was excited.  Jonathon was quiet. 
“How about if you show me the rest of your rooms, the schoolroom and any rooms I have not seen that you would like me to see?”  Elspeth quickly nodded in agreement.  Jonathon just stared.  Carly must break through his reserve, she thought. 
“But first, let us stop by the kitchen and ask Mrs. Cooper, if she would mind terribly, packing us a picnic lunch.” 
This got a reaction from both children.  Elspeth clapped her hands as she squealed, and Jonathon timidly smiled as he rejoiced by watching Elspeth celebrate for both of them.    
         

            Lord Huntington was watching all of this from the door to the study, feeling emotions that he was not quite sure how to express:  happiness for his children; satisfaction with Lady Blakemore; and, was it peace that he, himself was feeling? 

I hope you've enjoyed this chapter.  Getting to know Elspeth and Jonathon is an adventure as is getting to know 'the formidable master.'  Join me on Monday for the beginning of a new adventure that will eventually lead to another encounter with Lord Huntington...of course! 

Thanks!
Ellise ;)

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