by Jane Charles
“They aren’t riding with us?”
“They’re going to walk with Mrs. Wiggons and the girls.”
Claudia had invited the few students who still remained at the school to the wedding. There were only a few left, and they’d all be returning to their homes tomorrow. Then she and the teachers would be free of students until Twelfth Night. No more constantly looking over her shoulder or worrying about what three particular girls were getting up to.
Tess and Natalie shared a look. Then they stared at Claudia.
“What?” Clearly something was on their minds.
“It occurred to us, that perhaps, well…” Tess looked to Natalie as if for help.
“That you might not know what to expect tonight,” Natalie finished. She was always the most forward-speaking of the three.
Claudia’s face heated. “I know.” Mrs. Wiggons had spoken with her last evening. She’d already had an idea before that conversation too. She’d read a few books, but she’d had a few concerns over how it all worked, and luckily her old teacher had answered those questions.
“Good.” Tess blew out a breath.
Natalie laughed at her. “You’ve been married over a year and the subject is still uncomfortable for you?”
Tess’ cheeks turned pink. “Well, doing something and talking it about are two very different things.”
Natalie grinned at Claudia. “I promise you, the doing is much more fun.”
If her friends did not stop, the nerves Claudia had tried desperately to suppress since she woke this morning would take over completely.
The carriage pulled to a stop before Harrington Manor.
“That was quick,” Natalie said.
“I told you that it would be just as quick to walk.”
A footman opened the door and assisted Claudia from the coach before helping Tess and Natalie as well. A moment later, Mrs. Wiggons, her friends’ husbands, and the students had crossed the lawn, reaching Harrington Manor.
Wesley appeared in the entryway and smiled with approval. Then he stood back so Claudia and the others could enter. A footman took her cloak, and Victoria pressed hothouse flowers into her hand just as her father appeared in the corridor.
“We’ll take our seats,” Tess whispered before everyone disappeared into the far room.
“Are you positive this is what you want, Claudette?” Her father watched her with concern.
“Yes,” she answered. She wanted this more than anything in the world.
Now that Gabe was the earl, he was in a better position to see that his sisters were well received in London. Not that she gave a care as to whether he was titled or not. It was important for his sisters that he was.
Already the gossip had appeared in the newssheets and any question of their legitimacy had been quieted. Society in general was heartbroken over the tale of how the girls’ oldest brother had come to Westbrook intent on making amends with the rest of the family when they were set upon by smugglers. Of course, it was the furthest thing from the truth, but the reality wasn’t one that could ever be revealed, not without putting other spies at risk. And the tale already had some of London’s staunchest dragons ready to welcome Olivia and Victoria with open arms.
“You are to be a lady. A countess.”
When Claudia first realized that was what she’d become, she almost backed out of the betrothal, but Gabe wouldn’t let her.
“I suppose so,” she whispered, and the truth swirled around her mind once more.
Was she prepared for this? For marriage? A title? A month ago she was a teacher, secure in the fact that she would always be a teacher and become a spinster, living out her years at the Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies. So much had changed in a fortnight.
Her heart began to pound, and her hands shook. This was too fast. Too soon. Was she ready? Could she be a wife? A countess? What if she disappointed Gabe tonight? Tomorrow?
Her father took Claudia’s hand and rested it on his arm before patting it. “You will do fine.”
Fine? Claudia wasn’t so certain, but she allowed her father to lead her toward the entrance anyway.
Her chest felt tight with the fear that everything she ever believed was about to change. Then she looked up and met Gabe’ eyes. They were warm and full of love, and all of her anxiety melted away.
They would be fine. They’d be better than fine. With that, she took a step toward her future--the very bright future that she’d share with the gentleman she loved and who loved her in return.
If you enjoyed reading THE WITCHING HOUR, please let me know and share it with others.
LEND IT – This e-book is lending-enabled, so please
REVIEW IT – I welcome all reviews of my books, so please, share your thoughts with others by leaving a review on the site where you purchased the book and on Goodreads. Afterwards, please email me at [email protected] so that I can thank you.
RECOMMEND IT – If you enjoyed this book, please recommend it to them for reading and let them know that there is more of the Rattled Series to come, and soon.
About Jane Charles
Jane Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who has lived in the Midwest her entire life. As a child she would more likely be found outside with a baseball than a book in her hand. In fact, Jane hated reading until she was sixteen. Out of boredom on a long road trip she borrowed her older sister’s historical romance and fell in love with reading. She long ago lost count of how many novels she has read over the years and her love for them never died. Along with romance she has a passion for history and the two soon combined when she penned her first historical romance. What turned into a hobby became a passion. In addition to historical romances, she has been pulled to write contemporary and began penning her new series, Baxter Academy of Arts. She intends to continue writing both historical and contemporary.
* * *
If you would like to receive my newsletter, please click HERE.
Connect with Jane
@JaneACharles
JaneACharles
www.janecharlesauthor.com
[email protected]
Historical Romance by Jane Charles
The Tenacious Trents
Compromised For Christmas
Landing a Laird
A Misguided Lord
A Perfect Gentlemen
Devil in Her Dreams
A Lass For Christmas
A Reluctant Rake
Lady Revealed
Lady Disguised
Lady Concealed
A Tenacious Trent’s Wedding
Lady Admired
The Spirited Storms
Christmas Spirits
Ruined by a Lady
Weathering Captain Storm
Wiggon’s School For Elegant Young Ladies
To Walk in the Sun
Ghosts From the Past
The Witching Hour
A Gentleman’s Guide to Once Upon a Time
His Impetuous Debutante
His Contrary Bride
His Not So Sensible Miss
His Christmas Match
Muses
Her Muse, Lord Patrick
Her Muse, Her Magic
Her Muse, Her David
Her Muse, His Grace
New Adult Romance by Jane Charles
Baxter Boys
Rattled: Rattled #1 (Baxter Boys Series ~ Rattled)
Still Rattled: Rattled #2 (Baxter Boys Series ~ Rattled)
The Rattle Box: Rattled #3 (Baxter Boys Series ~ Rattled)
* * *
Baxter Academy
Valentine Wishes: The Legacy #1 (Baxter Academy Series ~ The Legacy)
Colors of You: The Academy #1 (Baxter Academy Series ~ The Academy)
Shadows of Memory: The Academy #2 (Baxter Academy Series ~ The Academy)
Casting Doubt: The Academy #3 (Baxter Academy Series ~ The Academy)
Between the Lines: The Academy #4 (Baxter Academy Series ~ The Academy)