This is such a fun, rousing song that I thought it would be appropriate for the end of one book and the beginning of another since both of those feelings of accomplishment and possibilities, as well as the busyness of publishing, are exhilarating. Her Father’s Choice is complete, and I am working on getting it published. But, I have also started the next book, and below the video, I have included an excerpt from what might become part of the first chapter of that novella.
“All of Me (Jon Schmidt) – ThePianoGuys.” YouTube. Uploaded to YouTube, 3 Oct. 2011, ThePianoGuys.
Excerpt from No Other Choice by Leenie Brown
Lord Samuel Rycroft blinked and looked at his mother as if he was unable to understand what she had said. He took of his hat and placed it on the table in the entry way at Netherfield. “Pardon me?”
“I said we will depart for town when Miss Mary arrives.” His mother made her way back into the sitting room and peered out the window. “There is no need to fear. She knows I am always early.”
“I am still not understanding why we must wait for Miss Mary.”
“Good morning, Georgiana,” said Lady Sophia. “Did you have something to eat, my dear?”
“Yes, thank you.” Georgiana took a seat near the window so that she could see the drive. “I cannot wait for Miss Mary to arrive. It will be ever so pleasant to have her company.””
“Company?” Lord Rycroft’s brows drew together. “Surely, we must not wait for you to finish a visit before leaving.”
Georgiana laughed. “A visit? At this time of the morning? I think not, cousin. She is to travel with us.”
Lady Sophia sighed at her son’s still puzzled expression. “She is coming to stay with me. Georgiana will soon be able to return to her brother, and I do not wish to be lonely.” She smoothed her skirt over her legs. With her eyes lowered as they were she could not see his expression, which was her intent, but she could see his toe start to tap as the silence in the room grew. She looked up at him with a smile and then turned to look out the window.
“A project, Mother?” It was not unlike his mother to take on a less fortunate lady and help her to find a husband.
“No, not a project, a friend.” She turned back to look at him. “I do like to have company of the female sort, and if they happen to be of the young marriageable age and in need of some assistance, it makes me feel useful. It has been all arranged. Miss Mary will travel with us today and stay the week. We will visit the shops and arrange for her orders. Then she will return home with her aunt and uncle for Christmas and will return in the new year to participate in the season.”
“A project.” He ran his hands through his hair and shook his head. “And I am supposed to pay for this project?”
Lady Sophia crossed her arms. “Miss Mary is not a project. She is a friend and a guest of mine.”
“Aunt,” said Georgiana softly.
Lord Rycroft sighed. “And you shall require me to attend all of the functions you select?”
“Well,” said Lady Sophia ignoring Georgiana’s second soft call, “we shall need an escort, and you need to attend anyway if we ever expect to find you a wife.”
“We do not need to find me a wife. I can do that on my own.” He hated being reminded of his duty to the title and his need to marry. He had been looking, but there were not any young ladies who interested him. They were all so agreeable, so biddable, so boring.
“You have done a poor job of it thus far, my son.” Lady Sophia cocked her head to the side and gave him a stern look. “If you will remember, I gave you until this season to sort it out for yourself. Now, I will assist you. The deadline has passed for you to continue on without my interference.”
“Fine.” His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched slightly. “I shall trot about with you and your project, Miss Mary, but I shall make my own decision.” He stiffened as he heard a gasp from the doorway behind him.
“Miss Mary,” Georgiana greeted Mary as excitedly as she could in an effort to counteract her cousin’s words. “I have been anxiously awaiting your arrival.”
Mary smiled as she always did when her father or mother or younger sisters said something insulting. It was not as if she was not well-prepared for handling such situations.
