Weekend Writing Warriors ~ 11/13/22 ~ Heart of Hope ~ The Wretched Bee

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors !

Happy November!!!

This month I’m going to my novella, Heart of Hope, also part of my Handful of Hearts series, that released about a year ago. It is Bertie Symmonds and Lady Letitia Stowe’s story, so now onward to the snippets!

 

 

BLURB:

Wallflower Lady Letitia Stowe is determined to dance with no one at Lady Hamilton’s ball unless she knows the gentleman. When just such a man appears in the form of Albert Symmons, Letitia is suddenly eager to dance with him…until she discovers their set is the scandalous waltz. Letitia begs off and instead they talk together, each confessing a weakness. Inspired to help one another, they make a pact: she will instruct him in dancing, and he will do likewise for her in horseback riding. Their frequent meetings grow into true affection and respect; however, Letitia discovers her brother has another match in mind for her.

Can Letitia and Bertie come up with a way to change her brother’s mind or will they need to take more drastic measures to secure a “happily ever after”?

I’m continuing on directly from last week’s snippet as Bertie approaches Lady Letitia and her aunt. Enjoy!

EXCERPT:

“I say, it’s Lady Romley, isn’t it, and Lady Letitia?” Mr. Symmons smiled broadly and bowed to them, his tall frame jerking oddly with the effort.

“It is indeed, Mr. Symmons,” Aunt Alexandra said, pursing her lips. “You claim an acquaintance with my niece?”

Mr. Symmons peered at Letitia then nodded vigorously. “At least I think it’s you. We spoke about bee stings rather at length after one popped me on the nose at a garden party. You kept chipping the ice from a block and putting it in a handkerchief so I could stop the swelling.” He grinned at Letitia. “It worked too,” he felt his nose, “never better despite the wretched bee.”

And a little more for good measure…

Letitia returned his smile wholeheartedly. “I’m so glad you had no further ill effects from the sting, Mr. Symmons.” She had to keep him talking about the garden party or bees or something until he got the idea to ask her to dance. If only he would, she’d be happy to fulfil her promise to Aunt Alexandra.

“Thank you, Lady Letitia. No, no ill effects at all, at least not for me. Can’t say for the bee, you know.” He shrugged.

Letitia laughed. He had a good sense of humor. Why was Aunt Alexandra so disparaging of him? “Well, that is good to hear, Mr. Symmons.” She couldn’t suggest they dance, so how to suggest he ask her? “You seem to be in fine fettle tonight. Have you been enjoying the dancing?”

“Tolerably well, my lady. I’ve stood up with an old friend, Miss Locke, and with Miss Powell, but I haven’t had much luck otherwise gaining partners. They all seem to have filled their dance cards immediately upon arrival at the party.”

“As any young lady is wont to do, Mr. Symmons.” Her aunt sniffed at him then looked him over with a keen eye. “If she has a grain of sense.” Aunt Alexandra’s gaze moved onto Letitia. “She must fill her dance card before the dance, else she may have to stand around conversing about mundane topics with gentlemen who will be satisfied with second best.”

“Is your dance card filled, Lady Letitia?” A hopeful lift to his eyebrows made Letitia glad she could answer him in the negative.

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

Heart of Hope is available on Amazon , Smashwords , B & N, Apple, and Kobo.

 

 

The Handful of Hearts series

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