Cygnet

by Hiatt, Brenda

"Deirdre," said her mother severely. "You shall do no such thing. Lord Wrotham will not wish his marchioness to become known as a bluestocking poet! You will have to put such things behind you and learn to behave as will befit your new station in life."

  Deirdre glanced uncertainly at the Marquis, who smiled broadly at her before turning to Lady Penrose.

  "I fear I must disagree, my lady," he retorted smoothly. "A poet of such promise as your daughter must not hide her light under a bushel. Nor would I ever ask her to neglect something of such importance to her."

  Deirdre gasped with delight, but Lady Penrose looked nonplussed. "Well, of course, if you wish it, my lord," she said vaguely. Then, "Dear me! I must return to my guests at once! I told Beata everything would come right. How surprised she will be!" So saying, she bustled out of the pantry, leaving Deirdre and Lord Wrotham alone.

  Deirdre turned her rapturous gaze on the Marquis. "Did you truly mean it?" she breathed. "I may compose whenever I wish?"

  Wrotham turned a glance of utmost tenderness on her. "When we are wed, I shall expect your poetry to take a very prominent place in our lives, second only to my love for you."

  Taking her in his arms, he began to demonstrate the extent of that love.

  THE END

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  AUTHOR'S NOTE

  The Cygnet, first published as The Ugly Duckling, was my second published novel, after Gabriella. It is set in the same "world" as all of my Regency-set books, both my traditional Regencies (like this one) and my single title Regency historicals, with a few of the same (fictional) peripheral characters. Each of my books stands alone, complete in itself, though some readers prefer to read them in order. My traditional Regencies, in order, are: Gabriella, The Cygnet, Lord Dearborn's Destiny, Daring Deception and A Christmas Bride. Azalea (part of a two-in-one volume, Regency Diamonds) was actually my first novel written, though my seventh published. I have hopes of eventually publishing it as a stand-alone novel. My Regency historicals, in order (both chronologically in the period and in order of publication) are: Scandalous Virtue, Rogue's Honor, Noble Deceptions (originally published as A Rebellious Bride), Innocent Passions and Saintly Sins (originally published as Wickedly Yours). These last four comprise my "Saints of Seven Dials" series. Linked to those, but not quite a part of the series, are also Tessa's Touch (originally published as Taming Tessa) and The Runaway Heiress. While preparing my traditional Regencies for e-book release, I chose to keep the British spellings and more omniscient viewpoint of the originals, to preserve the classic feel of those books. For all of these reissues, I have taken the opportunity to clean up a few small errors of fact and proofing, and am delighted to again share my stories with you in this new format. Enjoy!

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  For information on my other books, please visit http://brendahiatt.com or connect with me online at http://www.facebook.com/BrendaHiatt or http://twitter.com/#!/Brenda_Hiatt