Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 05/01/22 ~ A Countess of Convenience~ “Is That You?”

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Today’s post is changing to snippets from A Countess of Convenience, which has just been nominated for LR Cafe’s Best of 2021 in the Historical/Regency/Victorian category! I was flabbergasted as I never get nominated for anything. So I’m thrilled, so I thought I’d give you a little snippet from A Countess of Convenience. Enjoy!

 

BLURB:

Following a tragic accident, an unconscious Judith Harper is returned to her childhood home to die. Miraculously, she awakens but to a horribly changed world in which she finds her husband dead and her world upended. Judith must regain her strength, not only to reclaim her life but also to right a terrible wrong–a feat which may require her to marry again, and quickly. But not only is Judith not ready for another husband, a marriage before her year of mourning is up will ruin her in London society. Still, if she hopes to have her life back, she may have to risk the scandal and make a marriage of convenience…but to whom?

John, Lord Haxby has loved Judith since childhood, and because of that he stood aside while she married another eight years ago. Now she is free of her odious husband, he hopes he can persuade her that he is the only man who can make her truly happy. However, he discovers Judith is more than interested in Lord Farringdon, the man who saved her life. Can he stand aside once more and watch the love of his life make a grave mistake, or will he step up and show the woman he loves he is not a convenient solution to her problem, but the perfect one?

EXCERPT:

“Lord Haxby, ma’am.”

Judith frowned at her mother asking, “I don’t believe I know a Lord Haxby, do you, Mamma?”

Her mother smothered a smile. “Please show him in here, Inman,” she turned to Judith, “I believe you will recognize him when you see him, my dear.”

Curious, Judith straightened her gown–black was not her best color, but she’d need to wear it for at least another three months before moving on to the lighter purples, browns, and grays of half mourning unless she wanted to be thought scandalous. Raising her chin, she smiled pleasantly as the door opened, admitting a tall, long-limbed gentleman with dark hair and eyes, a straight, narrow nose, and a firm jaw that seemed very familiar indeed.

“Mrs. Harper,” he bowed and smiled, “I was told just this morning you were home once more so I could not wait a moment longer to come call upon you.”

“John?” Judith had known him the moment he spoke her name, a feeling of warmth and homecoming speeding through her. “Is that you?”

And a little more for good measure…

“It is indeed.” His smile broadened. “So good of you to remember me after these eight years.”

“Do sit down, John. Miss Harper, may I make known Lord Haxby?” Mamma fairly beamed when she introduced their long-time neighbor. “He was, until lately—”

“Lord Donningham!” Dora’s grin stretched ear to ear. “Although I gather it is now Lord Haxby?” She turned to Judith. “I made the viscount’s acquaintance during the round of autumn parties and balls, Judith. Just after you were taken ill.”

“You were taken ill during the fall, Mrs. Harper?” The earl’s jovial face was suddenly lined with concern.

“John, do not be ridiculous. Please call me Judith, as you have always done.” The fact that he wished to be circumspect about their relationship spoke well of him, but then John had ever been kind and thoughtful. And a stickler for the correct forms. “Yes, I apparently fell and was knocked insensible in November. I have only just regained my faculties a day or so ago.”

Her long-time friend frowned. “I cannot believe you were ill, and I did not hear a word of it.” Gesturing toward Dora with one hand, he took up the cup of tea with the other. “I danced with Miss Harper at Christmas, and she did not mention it at all.” He sent a stern look to Dora. “I assumed you had simply chosen not come to Town for the holiday.”

A Countess of Convenience is available in print and e-book format on Amazon, and in e-book format only on Kobo, Apple, and B&N.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Warriors here. There’s some fantastic snippets to be read.

Captivating Countesses series