A Dance with an Earl on Christmas Eve - Anne Barton
Anne Barton started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. So, when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anne found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute-but-impractical shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Find Anne at:
Charlotte and Alec starred in a scene I wrote for the Historical Christmas Eve event two years ago. (You can read that short story here.) It was fun to catch up with them this year and write the next chapter in their story...
A Dance with an Earl on Christmas Eve
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Charlotte set her pen on the desk and pressed her fingertips to her forehead. How many cautionary tales had she heard about the perils of governesses dallying with their employers?
Dozens. And yet she’d made the same grave, terribly cliché mistake.
No matter that the earl was a widowed, loving father—and sinfully handsome.
He paid her salary, and she had no business kissing him this afternoon. Now, because of her monumental lapse in judgment, he’d never be able to respect her as a governess. She had no choice but to say goodbye to little Abigail, Torrington Manor…and him.
She swiped at her eyes, picked up her pen, and reread the letter she’d begun.
My Lord,
It is with deep regret that I hereby tender my resignation.
I should never have
Pausing, she touched the quill feather to her lips. Should never have what, precisely? Run my fingers through your hair? Tasted your lips? Fallen in love with—
“Forgive me for intruding.”
Charlotte started, nearly toppling her pot of ink as the earl strode into the drawing room, looking anything but apologetic. His dark hair gleamed in the firelight, his tailored, dark blue jacket showed his broad shoulders to advantage, and his snug buckskin trousers conformed to…
Heaven help her.
He walked closer, stopping when the toes of his polished boots were just inches from the hem of her gown.
Unable to help herself, she let her gaze drift up, over his muscled legs, flat abdomen, and solid chest. Above his snowy white cravat, blue eyes gleamed. “It’s Christmas Eve.”
She swallowed. “Indeed.”
“You’re working?” He leaned forward as though he’d peer over her shoulder, and she quickly flipped over the letter.
She should tell him that she was leaving, but he’d no doubt be disappointed. Perhaps even devastated. Not for his own sake, of course. But he’d worry about finding a new governess—one who’d care for Abigail as she did—and she had no wish to spoil his Christmas. The news of her impending departure could wait another day or two.
“I was just preparing some lessons.”
Smiling, he leaned a hip on the corner of the desk and crossed his arms. “You work too hard.”
“That is why it I’m here, is it not?” After today’s ill-advised kiss in the snow, it seemed both of them could use the reminder.
“I gave the entire staff the night off. That includes you. Surely, the lessons can wait.”
“Actually, they cannot. Abigail, as you know, is extremely bright. She must be constantly challenged if she is to reach her full potential.”
“I hardly think her education will suffer unduly if you take one evening off.”
“Learning does not take a holiday, my lord.” Inside, she cringed at her superior governess tone, but the earl chuckled.
“You should call me Alec. And you are correct—about learning that is. We must all seek to improve ourselves and further our education, even as adults.”
“Exactly.” Gratified, she picked up her pen, a signal she intended to return her attention to her work.
He plucked the quill out of her hand and slid the feather along her cheek. “I’m glad we agree, because tonight I have a lesson for you.”
Delicious shivers stole over her skin. “For me?”
“Perhaps a bit different from your usual studies.” The twinkle in his eyes set her heartbeat racing.
“There’s to be no math or Latin, then?” she choked out.
“Absolutely not. This evening’s lesson shall be infinitely more exciting. I’m going to teach you how to dance.” He put down the pen and held out a hand.
Her traitorous fingers slipped into his open palm, and he smoothly pulled her to her feet. Hoping to regain some measure of control, she raised her chin. “I already know how to dance.”
His lips curled into a knowing smile as he guided her toward an open space in front of the fireplace, where a Yule log crackled. “I’m not talking about country reel.”
Blast it all. “I know the steps of the waltz, too. My sister and I used to practice together.”
“I assure you that this experience will be quite different.” He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently turning her so that they stood toe-to-toe. “Excellent, I believe we are ready to begin.”
Heady with anticipation, she arched a brow at him. “I feel compelled to point out that you have not adequately prepared for the lesson. A good teacher ensures that conditions are optimal for learning.”
“Snow’s falling outside. It’s warm and cozy in here. You look lovely—as always. I’d say the conditions are perfect.”
“But there’s no music.”
A dangerous grin lit his face. “We don’t need music. Just follow my lead.”
He settled his hands on either side of her waist; she let her hands glide over his rock-hard biceps on the way to his shoulders.
Pressing his forehead to hers, he said, “I knew you’d be a quick study.” Slowly, he swayed, moving them in time to the snow swirling outside the large windows. When he steered her away from a small table, their bodies bumped lightly together, her breasts grazing the hard wall of his torso. She looked into his eyes, and what she saw in their depths made her breath catch in her throat.
In the intoxicating warmth of his embrace, she forgot about the cautionary tales, her unfinished resignation letter, and all her earlier self-loathing. Perhaps it was the magic of the season, but she was fairly certain she was about to let the earl—Alec—kiss her. Or maybe she’d kiss him.
For the second time that day.
He skimmed his hands up her sides, pulling her closer. “What do you think of the lesson so far?”
“It’s been…enlightening.”
“That’s good.” He stopped moving, cupped her face in his hands, and smoothed his thumbs over her cheeks. He lowered his head but hesitated when his lips were just a breath away from hers, as though seeking permission.
“This is complicated,” she whispered.
“Yes,” he admitted. “And worth it. You are worth it. Just promise me that…you won’t leave.”
“I can’t promise,” she said. “But I’m not ready for the lesson to end.”
With a growl, he hauled her against him and covered her mouth with his in a kiss that proved to be very, very enlightening.
Lady Olivia Sherbourne isn't shy about speaking her mind, except when it comes to James Averill. For ten long years he has been her brother's best friend and her heart's only desire. But when Olivia hears James will soon set sail for an expedition to Egypt, she knows the time has come to make her move. It's now or never . . .
James has always found Olivia bewitchingly attractive, but what kind of gentleman takes up with his best friend's sister? Not that he's thinking particularly gentlemanly thoughts when she appears on his exploratory trip-three hundred miles from home!-and incites a tavern fight. No matter what the devil she's doing there, it's his duty to see her safely back to her family. But how safe will she be when every starlit night brings wicked temptation . . . ?
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I skipped over and read your Christmas short story and enjoyed it very much!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm happy you liked it!
DeleteHi Anne! OH my! That was a wonderful scene. *fans face* I hope you have a Merry Christmas! I'm pretty certain Alec and Charlotte will! ; D
ReplyDeleteHa, Pollie--I think so too. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
DeleteAhhhh! What happens next? I need to know! Thanks for the great post. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLet your imagination run with it, Sheryl! :) Merry Christmas!
DeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely scene--loved the growl in the last sentence.
Can't wait to read more from you in 2015. Wishing you all the best.
Hi Kathy! Thanks so much. :) All the best to you and your family too!
DeleteMerry Christmas :) I enjoy reading this author's work. I enjoy her covers as well. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteLori
Hi Lori, and thank you! Merry Christmas to you.
DeleteWhat a fun scene! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! Merry Christmas!
DeleteWhat a lovely follow-up to the first part of Alec and Charlotte's story! Looking forward to reading your other books.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy! So glad you enjoyed. :)
DeleteHello Anne, thank you for this cute little excerpt. I've not yet had the opportunity to read any of your books yet, and this little snippet intrigued me:) Also, Scandalous Summer Nights looks promising as well. My question is how intense are your intimate scenes? I've read many great historicals with juicy scenes but my favorites tend to be PG13. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Bryher! And what a great question. The love scenes in my books are steamy but not erotic, with heat levels along the lines of Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn. Does that help? If anyone who's read my books wants to chime in with a heat level rating, that would be great.
DeleteAnd Merry Christmas, Bryher!
I enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading your books Anne. Merry Christmas to everyone.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Thanks, Carol, and happy holidays!
DeleteLoved the story! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeletethanks, Sharlene--you too!
ReplyDeleteJust in the nick of time! Glad he arrived and such a great scene with the dance lesson. Thanks for writing it.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Anne!
Ha! My pleasure, Sophia--thanks for reading and Merry Christmas! :)
Deleteloved that excerpt! thanks!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Thanks, Denise! Happy holidays to you.
DeleteLoved both stories!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Thanks, Susan! Merry Christmas.
DeleteLoved your short story and the blurb for your book. Thanks for the giveaway! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed, Cathy! :)
DeleteOh, this excerpt had me reaching for my fan! :-) I do love sensuous scenes; in fact, that's why I like Regency historical romances. The conversation and innuendos and flirting...and scenes like this are so mesmerizing! I'll take this kind of romance over erotica any day! Sigh. Thanks for your writing, Anne, and thanks for this post! jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Janice! I love the Regency time period for the same reasons. Thanks for reading, and happy holidays!
Deletethanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletemy pleasure--good luck!
DeleteWonderful story, what a sweet treat on Christmas Eve. :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara--Merry Christmas!
DeleteExcellent segment to this story! I hope we don't have to wait 2 more years for the next installment! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Glad you enjoyed, Glenda! :)
DeleteLove your book covers! Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Molly--I love them too. Merry Christmas!
Deleteawesome story!!! I'm definitely intrigued :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erin! :)
Deleteinteresting story
ReplyDeletethanks, bn!
DeleteThank you so much for the giveaway! Fingers crossed. :-)
ReplyDeletegood luck, Lindsey!
DeletePerfect timing to read that story on Christmas Eve! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteYes--it was fun to write a Christmas Eve story for Dec. 24th. :) Many thanks to Danielle for inviting me!
DeleteA short scene that shows me two people who deserve to be happy with each other. Thank you for sharing. I am going to have to check out the scene with the cat in the snow.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Pat! Happy Holidays!
DeleteHappy Holidays thank you for letting us read The Earl’s Christmas Wish and A Dance with an Earl on Christmas Eve. Which book cover of yours is your favorite?
ReplyDelete-Kristine R
My pleasure, Kristine! I think that the cover for Scandalous Summer Nights is my favorite. I love the color of Olivia's dress and the outdoor setting. I can't wait to share my next one (for Rose's story). :)
DeleteA definite add to my ever growing TBR & author lists! Have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dee--glad you enjoyed!
DeleteI love Historical romances. I think it would be funny to mix Reality TV type games in a historical novel. People used to play more games than people seem to play now.
ReplyDeleteThat would be funny, Jen! Vicky Dreiling has a Regency-style Bachelor book which is wonderful. And my agent pitched my first book (When She Was Wicked) as "Project Runway meets Downton Abbey." Now I need to figure out a way to mash up my favorite reality show (Dance Moms) with a Regency romance--could be tricky, but I love a challenge! :)
DeleteThanks for the story and giveaway. Have a nice Christmas
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Kim! Hope your Christmas was lovely.
DeleteLovely story! Governesses is a trope I'm beginning to enjoy a lot =D
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love this trope too. :)
DeleteThis book sounds like a delightful read, and I love the pretty cover. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anita!
DeleteThanks for the dance lesson, hope to see more!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed. :)
DeleteGreat to read more of Charlotte and Alec. Hopefully, you'll finish the story for us in the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks! You never know...I've been wanting to write a governess story!
DeleteAdded to my list of reads
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meghan!
Delete