He glanced down the table at Victoria once again. She had taught him many things over the years. Was there ever a better friend that anyone could have? She leaned toward Clayton again. Roger caught his scowl before it could form and turned back to his soup.
“If she is such a good friend,” Grace whispered, “why do we not attempt to find her a husband? Every young lady needs one eventually.”
“She does not wish to marry just yet,” Roger answered.
“But she does look very pretty sitting next to Mr. Clayton and talking as she is. I know he has his heart set on my sister, but…” she let her words fall away, replacing them with a simple shrug.
Victoria looked pretty no matter who was sitting next to her or whether she was talking, being silent, or scolding him. Roger applied himself to eating his soup and attempted to keep his eyes from too often wandering down to where his friend sat.
[From His Darling Friend, A Touches of Austen Novella]
Published to YouTube by elementoffun on January 4, 2010.
Roger is just about to start listening to his heart in our Sweet Tuesday story, so I thought this would be a good song for this week. The video is a bit fuzzy, but I found it enjoyable anyway.
In writing news, I am continuing to work on Loving Lydia and His Darling Friend. I got a chapter of each written this past week. So, I am still one chapter behind where I would like to be with Lydia’s story, but both stories are progressing well. 🙂
I also finished the first chapter in the new story I mentioned in last Monday’s post. I also gave the story a name, which I will keep under wraps until I have an excerpt to share from it, and I changed my mind about who the hero will be. 🙂 So progress, even if it is not in the form of written words, is being made on that story, and I am feeling excited to get elbow deep in it. I’ve only spent about 2000 words or so with Kitty, but I’m really liking her.
If you saw my Friday Feature post, I also finally got that bundle of books I have been talking about published in Kindle Unlimited, where it will be until June. Because I intend to rotate some titles through Kindle Unlimited, I have also created a page on my website which will list them and have links to their Kindle sales pages. You can find that page by clicking on the drop-down arrow on the Leenie B Books item in the menu or here.
My newest book baby, Tom: To Secure His Legacy is doing well so far. He has out-earned the other books in the series when I compare their first month numbers and that is excellent even if that number is not a large one. I am delighted to see progress. 🙂 Thank you to all who have read or purchased that story. Your support of my writing is so appreciated. It’s still hard to believe after four years of publishing (as of yesterday) that I get to play games with my imaginary friends 😀 and share those stories with you. (I dreamed about being an author when I was young, but to have actually accomplished it is a wonderful feeling of being blessed. 🙂 )
Well, I do not have any new work in progress words to share with you today, so I am once again going to share an excerpt from an already published book. This book is in the bundle I just put in Kindle Unlimited and goes with the song/theme of following one’s heart.
AN EXCERPT FROM Listen to Your Heart:
There was a light rap at the door before it began to push open. “Might we join you?” Richard’s mother poked her head inside the door. “Anne was getting lonely up in her rooms, so we came in search of company.”
She opened the door the rest of the way and allowed Anne to enter before her.
“Oh, please, stay seated,” said Anne as Richard made an attempt to rise at her entrance. She took the cue Richard had discarded on the table earlier. “I wish to play.”
“You play?” questioned Richard. She definitely held the cue as if she was experienced.
“Mr. Kellet taught Mrs. Jenkinson and me. It can become quite dull around here at times.”
Darcy laughed. “And your mother allows this?”
Anne’s eyes sparkled. “I have convinced her it is an appropriate amount of exercise for one with my constitution.” She eyed the table. “I assume it is my turn since Darcy is not stalking his prey.”
“Stalking my prey?”
“Yes, you become decidedly focused when there is a plan to make. Your eyes narrow, you pace, the room could catch fire about you, but you would continue with your ruminations until the plan was formed to perfection. Very like an animal intent on capturing its next meal. So since you are standing there conversing, I assume it is not yet your turn to eliminate your opponent?”
Darcy scowled. “Take your turn.”
Anne laughed and did just that.
Darcy eyed where the balls lay on the table. “I think I should know if the room was on fire,” he muttered.
Lady Matlock smoothed Richard’s hair back into place. “The news was not good?” she asked.
Richard shook his head.
“Will you tell me? Or will you think it will worry me too greatly?” She took the chair next to Richard where Darcy had been sitting and eyed the letter that lay folded on the table between them. “From Colonel Alcock?”
Richard nodded.
“So it is as your father feared. You are to go to Canada.”
“Canada?” Anne’s cue connected with her ball at an odd angle. Her gaze being drawn first to her aunt and then Richard.
“There has been no announcement,” said Richard. “It is merely conjecture.”
“But Canada?” said Anne again.
“There is talk of reinforcing the border against possible invasion by the Americans,” explained Lady Matlock. “It is all very vexing to be sure. Matlock has been talking of the unrest for weeks now.”
“There is naught to fear, Aunt,” said Darcy. “Richard is to sell his commission. He will remain in England.”
“You will sell your commission?” Richard was sure he heard a faint amount of hope in his mother’s voice. She had never been comfortable with his choice of profession.
“I am considering it.”
“But it must be done quickly, mustn’t it?” He was certain he could now hear the excitement in her voice.
“If I sell it, I will no longer have an occupation. Darcy has offered to let me stay with him for a time, but I must re-establish myself in some useful manner. A source of income must be found.” He looked at Darcy, hoping that his cousin would not mention the part about marriage.
“An estate. You need an estate.” His mother’s enthusiasm was growing.
“And how do you expect me to get an estate, mother. I do not have that kind of blunt.”
“But your father has connections. I am sure there is someone who would be willing to negotiate a reasonable agreement. And, you are the second son of the Earl of Matlock. There are many who would desire the family connection. You are an attractive young gentleman, I have no doubt you could marry some heiress.”
“Mother,” he groaned. “You are partial to me because I am your son. I assure you, I am not the catch you think I am.”
Anne had come to sit across from Richard and his mother. She had been listening intently to all they had been saying. “No, no, she is right.” Her heart raced as she considered what she was about to say. “You need an estate. Your skills would be well used in its running. You can manage people, and you can foresee problems. Added to that, you have a compassionate heart that would surely garner loyalty from your servants and tenants.”
She dared to look up from her hands, which were clasped tightly in her lap, to see what his reaction was to her words. What she saw made her falter for a moment. His shock was evident in the slight opening of his mouth and the wideness of his eyes. But his eyes were also filled with what looked like pleasure at her words of praise. Perhaps her idea would not meet with immediate rejection. Perhaps there was hope. Her heart dearly wished it to be so. She took a breath and allowed her eyes to dart first to her aunt’s smiling face before returning to study her hands.
“You are as handsome as you are good.” She blushed. “Any young woman would be deliriously happy to marry such a gentleman, but you must not marry just any heiress.” She swallowed. “You must marry me.”
~*~*~
So many delightful things in this post. The music was so nice with the video. Your announcements were so exciting. Congratulations on many levels. Happy Anniversary, congratulations on the success of Tom. I was delayed reading it so I am about to do that. I am so excited. I hope the KU experience is all you want and hope. Love the excerpt with Roger starting to get a clue. I imagine he is a bit put off with Grace deciding to be matchmaker for Victoria. That should jump-start his heart in her direction. I enjoyed the second excerpt with Anne. She was so sweet. I loved it. I may have to read that novella again. Blessings on all your endeavors.
Thanks. So far, the KU experience is going very well. Of course, it is very early days and that could change, but I’m hopeful. 🙂 That excerpt with Anne is just one of my favourites from that book — then there is when he carries her to her room, when he is talking (and disrobing subconsciously) with Darcy, and his talk with Anne on the terrace about when they were kids. Oh, and that sad scene with Mr. Kellet. If I sit and think a bit longer, I’d probably add a few more to that list. OH, Yes! There is the whole reunion between Lady C and her long lost love, too. Ok, I’m stopping now. LOL
I hope you enjoy Tom.
Loved it! Emma is one of my favorites.
I’m glad you did! I have to admit that on my first read of Emma, I didn’t enjoy it all that much. However, once I read it again, I can see much to love about the story.
Love these excerpts, especially Roger and Anne.
I’m happy to hear that!