by Becky Lower
Mrs. Beasley was somewhat mollified, if not totally convinced, sending a loud harrumph” their way before she moved on.
“Oh, Mr. Fitzpatrick, thank you ever so much. We would have been in grave trouble if not for you.” Charlotte fawned over the man.
“Well, since I’ve saved you from your current peril, and since we don’t know who else you’ll run into, perhaps I should finish the job you’ve assigned me to and escort you ladies to your final destination? May I meet the other ladies in your party?”
Charlotte quickly introduced him to Emma and Katie but did not yield her hold on his arm.
They found their way to the Hall of Science where Miss Wright was speaking, and George insisted on paying the entry fee for the four of them. They found enough open seats to sit together and moved to the chairs. Charlotte waited for Emma and Katie to claim a seat, and then she sat next to them, leaving only one remaining empty spot. Next to her alone. She smiled at her craftiness.
He took the seat beside her then leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Mrs. Beasley was right. Young ladies such as you could get into a lot of trouble without a proper escort. I’m offering my services to you, absolutely free of charge, for the remainder of the afternoon.”
Charlotte’s laugh bubbled up. “I have a feeling, sir, you’re the biggest trouble I can get into today.”
He finally removed her hand from his arm and gave her a stern look. “I’m not the one who began such underhandedness, Miss Ashcroft, and I didn’t appreciate you putting me in the position of deceiving Mrs. Beasley, however refreshing the encounter with you might have been.”
She straightened in her chair as Emma and Katie glanced her way. She did so hate being put in her place, regardless of how appealing the gentleman was. And why did he remove her hand from his arm? Did he not feel the same tingle when they touched? “Perhaps you’re not the man I thought you were. What about all your talk of a grand adventure?”
“Believe me, today has been an adventure. Let’s listen to Miss Wright, shall we? After all, her speech is why you’re here, is it not?”
“You are free to leave anytime you desire, sir. I happen to believe in Miss Wright’s stand on the rights of women. But if you don’t share those beliefs, you may go. ”
She smoothed out her lavender skirt, and in the process, her hand brushed his leg, which was scandalously close to hers. She pulled her hand back quickly, as if she’d been burned. Perhaps she had.
Regardless of her statement that he was free to leave, she hoped he would stay. She’d never been this close to a man before, even an escort. Her stomach was quivering, and her palms were damp. Thank goodness her gloves hid that fact. She had a feeling her life was about to be turned upside down by a man in a jaunty, blue bowler hat. She couldn’t wait.
For more from Becky Lower, check out:
Expressly Yours, Samantha
Praise for Expressly Yours, Samantha:
“Check out this entire series. If you are a true historical romance lover and especially if you like something a little different, then Becky Lower is the author for you!” -—5 stars, The Reading Cafe
“What you get out this book. … a love story and a wonderful history lesson. I loved the setting and smoothness of the story flow. The characters come to life on the pages.” —5 stars, Loves All Things Books
“This well-written tale is a wonderful read, and now that I've had a taste, I will be reading more from this talented author.”—4 stars, Book Obsessed Chicks
“…a delightful short tale full of the adventure that the Wild West is known for. Although I do not generally like old Western romances, I will make an exception for Expressly Yours, Samantha, as it is thoroughly enjoyable.”— Fresh Fiction
“This historical romance is a great divergence from the norm, with its unique time setting and interesting characters.” -4 stars, Ind'Tale Magazine
For more books by Becky Lower, check out:
The Reluctant Debutante
Praise for The Reluctant Debutante:
"This series is a breath of fresh air for a historical romance lover! I loved that the [mid-1800s America] setting for each books takes place in a different city and you can see how the approaching [Civil] war is causing havoc in so many ways. Ginger is very likable, and is a strong woman who knows what she wants." —Rachel, The Reading Café
The Abolitionist’s Secret
Praise for The Abolitionist’s Secret:
"This book was my fav of the [Cotillion Ball] books … We really start to dig into what ignites the Civil War. At the beginning [Heather] is portrayed as somewhat of a timid creature, but when she is facing conflict, she rises up and kicks some serious booty. [David] is just lovable. --Rachel, The Reading Café
“The cotillion ball is the impetus for the series, but these novels are not pieces of fluff; on the contrary, Ms. Lower tackles serious and fascinating subjects through the eyes of her heroes and heroines. … I highly recommend this novel to everyone who loves historical fiction and romance.” —Deborah Cordes, author
Banking on Temperance
Praise for Banking on Temperance:
“I really liked Temperance right from the beginning and can understand what Basil was drawn to [in her]. Basil also really grew up [compared] to the Basil we met in the first book! . . . Their journey was worth the wait.”—Rachel, The Reading Café
The Tempestuous Debutante
Praise for The Tempestuous Debutante:
“If you are a historical romance fan, love multi-layered characters, and enjoy a great story, please read this series.” —The Reading Cafe
Blinded by Grace
Praise for Blinded by Grace:
“What I liked most about this book was that the happy ending wasn't straight up and in your face about it. The characters had to work and develop into a rhythm. It was a nice change from that traditional cookie cutter plot.” — 3.5 stars, Memories in a Box
“These two made a wonderful couple who were a perfect match for each other. They had to work very hard for their well deserved happy ever after. I very much enjoyed this well written book, with its very clever title.” —Long and Short Reviews
“I cannot tell you enough how much I love Becky Lower's books. She is by far my favorite historical romance author, and I would recommend anything she writes to everyone I meet. She just has a way with words and has a brilliantly warm and classic, romantic heart. Blinded by Grace was just another perfect example of how a love story should be written. Please do yourself a favor and add this book (and the rest of her repertoire) to your to-be-read list. You'll be so glad that you did.” —HEAs Are Us
The Duplicitous Debutante
Praise for The Duplicitous Debutante:
“Becky Lower did a fabulous job of incorporating fencing terminology and painting a picture of the type of man and character Henry was. I also enjoyed the French he would slip in from his time in New Orleans.” — 5 stars, A Cup of Tea
“If a clever, witty, and entertaining read is what you're looking for, The Duplicitous Debutante definitely fits the bill! ... it's a refreshing take at historical romance, and it makes me eager to try out the rest of the series.” —-5 stars, Cryptic Reads
“Lower has mastered a fascinating style that transports the reader to that time and immerses us in the clothing, the traditions, the expectations. But at the same time, she does it in a way that doesn't so much make you fell like you've just crash landed in another time, but rather that you belong there with her characters.”—4 stars, Fic Central
“Lower has an exceptional voice for historical romance, layering in colorful historical details that truly allowed me to be transported to 19th century America.”—4 stars, Night Owl Reviews
In the mood for more Crimson Romance?
Check out Knight Errant by Rue Allyn at CrimsonRomance.com.
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