Even though there isn’t a Sweet Saturday Sample this week I thought I’d give you a scene from my debut regency release, A Christmas Surprise.
In this scene Mr. Thomas finds that someone has put in the betting book at White’s as to who was going to marry his true love, Lady Aleece.
“Good. Anyways, I’m glad I ran into you. When I was at White’s this afternoon, I couldn’t help but overhear several gentlemen talking about the newest stake in the betting book.”
“What does it have to do with me? No one knows I’m here.”
“Seems these chaps have set a wager as to who will claim your Lady Aleece as their bride.”
So incensed at what Jeff said, it was all Thomas could do to hold his temper and not fling his plate across the room.
“Thomas, I know you’re upset over the news. If I was to hazard a guess, none of them will offer for her, and I do believe you heard the reason earlier.”
“You mean—”
“Yes,” Jeff interrupted. “Your Aleece tends to rankle their feathers. None of them want a wife as set and strong-willed as she is, which is exactly what you’re looking for. So, there might be hope for you yet.”
A willingness to speak her mind even if others disagreed with not only the point she wanted to make but how vehemently she would fight for her position was what he’d always sought in a wife, much like his mother. He needed to find out was how Aleece interacted with estate workers. If he was to hazard a guess she’d be helpful and caring.
“I’m aware, but in offering to her parents for Aleece’s hand, I first have to tell her who I really am.”
“You’d better do something quickly. There’s a rumor, if Aleece isn’t married off by the annual Holly Hall Christmas Ball, her father will arrange the marriage to someone, and she’ll have to live with it.”
Thomas rose from his chair, nodded adieu to his friend, and departed .The last words ringing in his ears. Now he had to do something, but what he didn’t know. Maybe when he and Aleece met tomorrow they could come up with a plan.
A Christmas Surprise
If I hear one more debutante declare that they will never marry unless it is for love, well. I shall break my quill! And we all know what happens when I break my quill. Things become very upsetting and it isn’t long before I— Well, that is quite another story. Let this author, this matriarch, this paragon of society guide you with her infinite wisdom. It is apparent that many of you have gotten this silly notion of love in your head, most likely from American influence, and please do not get me started on those savages. The point, young dears, is that love, is silly. Take for example Lady Aleece, poor young dear never stood a chance! Can you imagine being mauled in public? By a commoner no less? Although, rumors have been running rampant that this very delicious commoner is in fact the Marquess of Somerset, I have my doubts. For one thing, a Marquess should be more unfortunate looking which is clearly not the case with Somerset. Let this be a lesson dear readers. If you marry for love, there is a very big chance that you will end up with your heart broken, or in that wretched commoners case—kidnapped (though many believe he should have been killed for even breathing the same air as our fair lady). Dear readers, have I taught you nothing this holiday season?—Mrs. Peabody’s Society Papers.
Amazon
Amazon UK
B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-christmas-surprise-lindsay-downs/1113764953?ean=2940015942637
Murders and Mysteries 
Very nice excerpt… wouldn’t it be nice to bring back the big holiday balls and a gala? The beautiful and magical moments?
Yes it would, especially if there was a wedding during the fete.