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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.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Monday, November 28, 2011 -- The Governess -- A Twice Weekly Blog


Excerpt from The Governess  -- Chapter 21 continued:

Lord Huntington interjected, “Lady Blakemore comes from Northamptonshire.” 
Lord Carter, quickly catching onto his friend’s agenda, enthusiastically asked, “Exactly where are you from in Northamptonshire, Lady Blakemore?” 
“Well,” she looked suddenly embarrassed at the attention, but loved speaking of home.  “A little place called Harlestone.  Have you heard of it?” 
            “No, I cannot say that I have.” 
            “Yes.  A fine village, I will grant you,” Mr. Hansen interjected, eyeing the beautiful governess admiringly. 
            “You know of it, sir?” 
            “Only passing through, but friendly enough, I should think.”  His benign smile wasn’t that thrilling a prospect, Carly thought. 
            Lord Carter continued his questions as Miss Hansen glared at her brother, his obvious interest in the governess a frustration to her.  She would remind him of their goal. 
“It is beautiful there this time of year, all the blossoms coming out and trees vibrantly green, just like here.  I have enjoyed Lord Huntington’s grounds at length.” 
 “Like you were today, I am sure,” Lord Carter responded.  She smiled prettily at him in agreement, and he wondered at this striking, attractive creature.  Surely Creighton had not known she was such a beauty or he would never have engaged her services.  Understanding became clearer by the way Creighton was acting, for he could sense that it was a test for him to be in her presence, much like this afternoon.  His smile in his friend’s direction said as much, which Lord Huntington only scowled at him in response.  She just might prove to be Creighton’s unraveling, he thought with a wry smile. 
Lady Margaret took advantage of the silence to express to Carly her feelings of superiority.  “So.  You are the governess?”  Menacing eyes examined Carly inch-by-careful-inch.  She was successful in her slight.  Upon seeing her victory, she affectionately turned to Lord Huntington saying, “You are always kind to the hired help, dearest.”  Creighton visibly turned red, but not from embarrassment. 
Lord Carter was surprised that his friend had no retort.  By golly, he is besotted!
Carly, all of grace and charm, quickly stuck out her determined chin as she readied for conflict in which she must defend herself.  “Lord Huntington’s children are quite wonderful, my lady,” she simply said. 
“And you have been here…long?” asked Miss Murtaugh, equally menacing. 
“Not very,” Carly answered. 
Miss Amelia put forth her two pence worth.  “Tending children all day.  I cannot imagine being a glorified nanny.  It would be exhausting, I tell you!  My nanny always looked so tired and haggard.” 
“No wonder,” her brother snorted, and was quickly reprimanded by a death stare.  One would think her red hair warning enough.  It seemed that her reminder was well-rewarded with his efficient return to his meal. 
Lord Carter interrupted, “So tell us; what adventures have you been on with Creighton’s little angels, my only claimed—although unrelated—nephew and niece?” 
            Carly’s nervousness changed quickly with this favorite subject.  Clapping her hands together, she smiled a most brilliant, beautiful smile and even laughed a singsong laugh.  This response surprised everyone as she, again, obtained the attention of all.  “We enjoy Huntington Manor’s many splendors indoor and out, my lord, every day.  Picnics, explorations, strolls, botany lessons.  It truly has been an adventure here.  I have enjoyed myself immensely.  And they—well, they have simply captured my heart, Lord Carter.  Jonathon is now warming up to me quite well, and little Elspeth is such a joy.” 
            “I see.”  Looking over at Creighton, he raised his eyebrows in a question directed at him.  Creighton looked back at him and scowled as if to say, hold your tongue.       

Quite the dinner party.  Such enjoyable guests.  Will Carly yet find friends?

Continue reading from this chapter on Friday.  :)

Ellise

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