Don't talk to strangers... an excerpt from sweet romance House of Dark Envy

It occurred to me that I have never submitted a scene from House of Dark Envy. HODE (as I lovingly refer to it) is my sweet, no-spice Victorian romance of second chances, high-society honor, and mysterious secrets, House of Dark Envy for the Book Hooks hop, so here, this week, is a short sample for you.

This is from chapter one, the heroine (Sarahjane) is attending a costume ball at the home of her father's employer and the fine lady proposed a scavenger hunt. During the hunt, Sarahjane thinks she hears her nemesis' voice and so hides in a carriage. Let's see what happens:

“I offended a young woman once. One I truly liked.”

“You liked her?” She blinked. Impossible. Some faint warning sounded in her brain, but her intrigue with her velvet-voiced stranger drowned it out.

“I did,” he said.

“Then you can’t possibly have offended her.”

“No, I did,” he said. “She and her family too.”

She probed the seat behind her, seeking out the elusive coin. Was he right? Did it hide tucked in the carriage’s seat? “Oh, come now,” she said, hoping to distract him.

“They took her to another city, and all because I kissed her.”

“That’s too bad,” she said, shaking her head.

“I’ve been trying to apologize to her ever since.”

“What have you done? Tell me and I’ll let you know if you have a chance to redeem yourself.”

“I’ve written her letters.”

Letters? She had a few letters in her possession from her offender. She couldn’t destroy them.

“You must try harder, then,” she said.

“Perhaps I shall hire a wizard to help me change her mind.” His soft laughter cut through the dark. “She always had a love of tales of wizards.”

So did she. It can’t be him, can it? No. Rumor said Felix lived miles from London. In Germany—or was it Norway? This gentleman spoke in finer words than she remembered Felix using, yet his voice held a note she almost believed belonged to no one else.

A carriage drove by outside, but she could see, even here in the dark, that he didn’t turn away from her.

Her uneasiness spread and she choked on her next question, “What is her name?” Lights sparked outside and he drew back. “If it’s Morganna I’ll say you’re lucky she didn’t turn you into a toad.”

“That’s one bright spot in the mess.” He sighed and sat back. “I wish I could go back and change things. Tell her I loved her.”

Sarahjane’s heart banged against her rib cage. Might this truly be Felix Griffyth? If so, why didn’t she want to jump right out of this carriage?

She knew why. As much as Felix infuriated her, she loved him. Part of her hoped he spoke these gentle words.

“And what’s your wish?” he asked. “If you had this coin to wish on, what would you request?”

What do you think she will wish? If you'd like to find out, you can purchase House of Dark Envy here--or get it free for joining my newsletter, here.

Synopsis:

When Sarahjane attends Lady Morville's costume party, she never expects to learn her old childhood beau Felix Gryffith is under the illustrious woman's patronage.

Felix stands on the cusp of making a world-changing discovery—but years ago, a terrible misunderstanding disgraced Sarahjane in the eyes of the London elite, labeling her a flirt and forcing them apart. Felix's devotion to Sarahjane has never wavered, and he is desperate to reveal the truth if he can convince her to listen.

But mystery lurks in the shadows of the grand estate. As old affections are rekindled amidst the gaslight, Felix’s discovery threatens to unleash a strange force that could endanger them both. Can they restore her honor and heal their broken hearts before the secrets of the past ruin their second chance at love?

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