“The carriage awaits,” Lady Agatha said.
Morgan took Jessa’s arm once more and escorted her down the aisle. “I have a particular gift for you. I hope you don’t mind.”
They stepped out of the church into the autumn sunshine. There, next to the carriage, Morgan’s head groom stood holding a pair of horses. Sterling snorted and bobbed his head as his master approached. The chestnut beside him was decked with white flowers braided into his mane.
“I would like to give you Mayberry,” Morgan said. “The two of you got on very well together, as I recall.”
Jessa smiled up at him, delight bubbling up from her chest. “Thank you. I hope you will join me for a post-wedding ride.”
“Nothing would make me happier.”
Though she was ridiculously encumbered by her wedding gown, Jessa did not care. She handed her bouquet of white roses to Louisa and, with assistance from both Morgan and the groom, managed to mount Mayberry and hook her leg over the pommel.
Her skirts spread over the horse’s withers and rump, and she nearly laughed aloud at the impracticality of it.
“Are you secure enough?” Morgan asked.
“I am.” She leaned forward and back, finding her seat surprisingly stable.
“Excellent.” He mounted Sterling and, amid good-natured cries of farewell from the guests, they rode away.
Jessa was still not particularly conversant with Mayfair’s streets, but as Morgan turned them down St. George Street, she gave him a curious glance.
“Isn’t Trevethwick House more to the west?” she asked.
“We are taking a short detour. Nothing that will delay our wedding breakfast overlong, however.”
Ahead, she caught a glimpse of trees and shrubbery. Not Green Park, for that was too far out of their way.
“Berkeley Square?” she guessed.
“Indeed. I hope it is not too crowded for a good canter.”
She tipped her head back and laughed, and his lips turned up in the faintest of smiles.
“You continue to shock, Lord Silverton.”
“What good is life if one can’t enjoy it?” He reached over and grasped her gloved hand, giving it a tight squeeze.
The horses’ ears pricked up as they stepped from stone to grass. The greensward ahead lay mostly empty, and although the far side of the park was a short distance away, Jessa leaned forward and gave Mayberry a nudge with her heel.
He needed no further prompting, but strode out into a trot, then a canter. Jessa gripped the saddle tightly as her skirts blew in the wind of their passage, but she was in no danger of falling. She laughed again, filled with more happiness than she knew how to contain. Behind her, she heard the thud of Sterling’s hooves.
Morgan drew up beside her when she halted at the end of park. Uncaring of the faces turned their way, he leaned over and kissed her soundly. The wind stirred the remaining leaves overhead. A scattering swirled down, dancing and turning under the cloud-flecked September sky.
Smiling, Jessa drew back, and side by side they rode toward Trevethwick House and their waiting guests.
Toward a happier future than they’d ever dared to dream.
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THANK YOU!
Thank you for reading MISTRESS of MELODY! If you enjoyed it, please consider helping other readers find this book:
1. This e-book is lendable – consider sending it to a friend who you think might like it.
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3. Request that your local library purchase a print copy so that other readers can discover Anthea’s romances.
OTHER WORKS
Discover all of Anthea’s historical romances on KOBO!
FULL-LENGTH NOVELS
SONATA for a SCOUNDREL (Music of the Heart Book 1) – A finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA award, this Victorian-set novel takes the reader on a romantic adventure set against the glittering backdrop of 19th century musical celebrity. The first in the Music of the Heart books, this novel features master violinist Darien Reynard and composer Clara Becker in a tale of secrets and passion.
“Mesmerising and addictive… this highly engrossing read will keep historical fiction fans clamoring for more.” – Library Journal
PASSIONATE – A finalist for both the Golden Heart and the prestigious RWA RITA award, this Victorian-set novel takes the reader on a romantic adventure from the ballrooms and parlors of London through the Mediterranean to the exotic valleys of Tunisia. Fans of Julia Quinn and Connie Brockway will enjoy this witty foray into the outer edges of civilization – and propriety.
“A lush, exotic tale of romance and adventure.” – Sally MacKenzie, USA Today bestselling author
ALL HE DESIRES – Self-exiled on the Isle of Crete, an English doctor with a troubled past meets the one woman who can bring him out of the shadows and into the light.
“Lawson, a RITA-nominated husband-and-wife writing team, deftly combines danger, desire, and a deliciously different Victorian setting into a sexy version of Victoria Holt’s classic gothic romances.” –Booklist Reviews
SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, & COLLECTIONS
A Countess for Christmas – Miss Cecilia Fairfax dreads the upcoming holidays. Between caring for her elderly father and managing a household barely out of mourning, she has no time for anything else. Especially not a surprise guest like the Earl of Tarrick. Of all the blessings of the season, the most unexpected is love...
Publisher’s Weekly called this traditional Regency Christmas story a “standout.”
Maid for Scandal – Miss Anna Harcourt disguises herself as a maid to be near the man she thinks she loves, but little does she know how far this charade will lead her ... or how close to scandal.
~A Top 100 Regency Romance Bestseller for over two months~
Five Wicked Kisses – To pay a debt, Juliana Tate must accept five kisses from the Earl of Eastbrook ... but she never suspects how wicked each kiss will be.
~Five months on the Top 100 Romance Short Story bestseller list~
To Wed the Earl – Miss Miranda Price detests her neighbor Edward Havens, the rakish Earl of Edgerton - but when he catches her breaking into his library at midnight, secrets are revealed that will change the course of their lives... forever.
The Piano Tutor – Encouraged by her scandalous friend to take a lover, Lady Diana Waverly finds that the new piano tutor is more than he seems -- especially when it comes to passion.
This spicy Regency-set short story originally appeared in the Mammoth Book of Regency Romance.
The Worth of Rubies – A Victorian-set short mystery. Noble ladies are falling victim to a string of brazen public jewelry robberies, but the inquisitive Miss Isabelle Strathmore suspects more is afoot than mere theft...
Kisses & Rogues – A collection of Anthea’s shorter romance fiction. Includes the titles above, with the exception of The Worth of Rubies and A Countess for Christmans.
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Anthea also writes YA Fantasy as Anthea Sharp - visit her website.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book was partially inspired by all the talented folk fiddlers I’ve had the pleasure of playing and studying with over the years. Thank you to so many musicians for continuing the vitality of diverse musical traditions, in particular: Martin Hayes, Bruce Molsky, Alasdair Fraser, Arkaitz Miner, Lunasa, and the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.
The novel itself was greatly improved by the input of my critique partners Chassily and Matt, my editor Laurie Temple, my proofreader Ginger, and the always excellent copy-editing skills of Arran Nichols at Editing 720.
Once again, Kim Killion proves her talent in cover design.
Many thanks for a gorgeous cover, and thanks also to the fine models at Period Images and the Killion Group.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anthea Lawson’s first two novels were co-written by Anthea and Lawson, a husband and wife creative team living in the Pacific Northwest. Their first novel, Passionate, was released from Kensington books in October 2008, and was a finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA award for Best First Book. Booklist has named Anthea one of the “new stars of historical romance.”
Since 2010, Anthea has branched out solo, continuing to write USA Today bestselling historical romance, as well as award-winning YA urban fantasy under the pen name Anthea Sharp. Anthea is still happily married and living in the Northwest with her husband and daughter, where the rainy days and excellent coffee fuel her writing.
Discover more at anthealawson.com and on Facebook. To find out about Anthea’s upcoming releases, please subscribe to her mailing list. Thank you!
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