So, I got stuck into the new work in progress last week. I decided to dictate the first draft of Miss Dawes Takes a Rake (Entangled series book 3) and that went really well. I’m not used to talking out my stories but after typing so many books, my fingers now seem to struggle to keep up with the scenes playing out in my head. Sixteen years and sixty-six books. So many more than originally imagined I could write as a baby author. LOL
Since I got most of the initial scenes I’ve imagined so far out of my head, I’ll now be back on the keyboard finding out if any of it makes sense. Every writer has their own process to finish a story. Given I’m changing my process with dictation, I’m not sure whether this will be faster or painfully slow. Only time will tell.
But now, onward with the excerpts from A Necessary Wife.
Amelia couldn’t be more surprised.
Chatham tipped his head toward the manor. “I’ve admired your diligence to your brother’s concerns for some time, and of course, noticed your influence extends far and wide on the estate. I expect both your thumbs are green.”
She was halfway to checking the state of her thumbs when she caught a hesitant smile playing upon his lips. He had made a jest…or was making sport of her, as others in her brother’s circle often did.
She narrowed her gaze on him, annoyed because she could not determine the intent behind his smile immediately.
Lord Chatham was not given to levity very often, at least not around her. But he often said things in a way that could have two meanings, and it amused her that everyone else seemed oblivious to the alternative meanings.
“I enjoy tending my brother’s estate,” she admitted in the end. “I spend half my time out here in the garden.”
“Yes. Even in inclement morning weather, too. You fearlessly trudge outdoors to bring order to the grounds. Well done.”
Cautiously, she decided he was complimenting her. A flush of pleasure filled her and brought more warmth to her face. She was usually immune to flattery from handsome men. She inclined her head, accepting the praise.
Chatham shifted his weight from foot to foot and glanced around again. “I thought to take a stroll about your garden before your brother returns.”
“It is not my garden, my lord,” she said firmly. Nothing was hers. Nothing could be, here. But soon she would reach the advanced age of eight and twenty, and could finally claim her own garden to tend and a little cottage to live in not too far away. She was counting down the days till her birthday, though no one else would be.
Her brother had not thought her serious about living alone the first time she had mentioned her intention to quit Upper Folly, but there was bound to be an outcry when she took over her inheritance and disappeared. There was always something for the family to complain about where Amelia was concerned.
“That is a shame, isn’t it? That nothing is yours after so many years of diligent toil.” Chatham scowled. “Perhaps we might talk about the chances of changing that as we walk together.”
She frowned at the man who, like many others, had ignored her for years. “There is nothing to talk about.”
“Take a walk with me, Miss Reynolds,” he said firmly, making it more of a demand. “I wish to speak with you of important matters.”
That’s it from me for this week. Hope you enjoyed the excerpt. It’s my sixteenth anniversary as a publish author today and I’m off to celebrate with my family because they helped make this crazy carreer of mine possible. 🙂 Toodles
A Standalone Christmas Romance