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August 9 - August 11, 2023
I should take advantage of the company I truly wish to keep when opportunities present themselves.”
Who my grandmother knew herself to be is not who her enslavers told her to be.
“Those men believe everyone is beneath them. That God blessed them with wealth and pedigree, and in some cases a title, because they are special. When truly, they are anything but.”
Ana María remembered the panicked look in his eyes when he had reined in her horse. He’d been frightened. For her.
This dance they had performed to avoid each other had stung worse, for each of them knew it was prudent to stay away. Yet their connection still pulsed and pulled like an invisible force whenever they were together, whether across a crowded ballroom or separated by the length of a dining table. But there was nothing separating them now.
“I’ve wanted to do this from the very first moment I saw you,”
“You’ve made it impossible to stay away.”
You deserve a man who will recognize how clever you are. How you think deeply about things, and approach new ideas or viewpoints with empathy. How despite a childhood spent in competition with your sisters, you refuse to view them as antagonists, and seek their happiness instead.”
“You are an amazing woman, Miss Luna, and you deserve the world. And that’s the crux.”
“If you ever lay a hand on my sister again—on any woman at this party—I will stab you with my hairpin.”
It was as if fate could not let her experience happiness for too long without raining down its displeasure upon her. She had reached for something forbidden, something her heart desired, and had been punished for it.
She deserved good things. She deserved respect. Gentle touches and soul-consuming kisses. Ana María deserved much more than polite regard; she deserved—she demanded—love.
“If we marry, Miss Luna, I can protect you. I have connections and enough power to ensure that you, Isabel, and Gabby remain safe.”
“But aside from protection, as your husband I can offer you a comfortable life filled with opportunities to do good works and push forth reforms that would make this world a better place to live for all people. I would respect you, even more than I do now.”
“What do I gain?” He furrowed his brow as he shook his head. “Miss Luna, I would gain you. The chance to welcome every sunrise by your side and say good night to every sunset. Just spending my life with you, orbiting around your smile and laugh, would make me the richest of men.”
“Miss Luna, you are clever and brave and charming, and I know you will speak passionately and eloquently about these great evils I’ve been working against. We could form an admirable . . . partnership.”
“I’d be happy to marry you, Señor Fox.”
Memories of the taste and shape of Gideon’s lips flashed through her mind like a bolt of lightning, and soon she would be at liberty to indulge in all manner of carnal pleasures with the man who had fascinated her from the first.
Gideon did not regret offering his help and protection to the Luna sisters. And he certainly did not regret his proposal of marriage to Miss Luna.
“And here I intended to congratulate you on winning the hand of the young woman who has transfixed you from the start.”
“You’ve never seen her like this because when has she ever been allowed to be vulnerable? When have any of us been at liberty to share, openly, how we feel about anything? What we think about anything?”
“My tears are not for my upcoming marriage. I admire Señor Fox greatly. In fact, I’m certain”—her mouth trembled—“it would be very easy to fall in love with him.”
The affection and respect both held for the other was palpable, and for the first time in a very long time, he considered what his life could be outside of politics. Even now, the hallowed halls of Westminster had lost a bit of their allure, knowing such a woman would be waiting for him at home.
She’d been wearing the gown when she’d first set eyes on Gideon at the Montrose ball, and even then had known her life would never be the same.
“Of course your sisters should give you away. You have been through much together,
“Are you ready to become Señora Fox?” Ana María didn’t hesitate. “I am.”
She wore the magenta gown. The gown she’d worn the first time he’d seen her, imprinting her likeness on the backs of his eyelids like a meteor streaking across a midnight sky.
How was it possible that the woman he’d wanted from the first, the clever beauty who continued to intrigue him despite his valiant efforts to push her away, was now his wife?
“But whatever gave you the idea that I’d be a gentleman in the bedroom?”
Ana María was his now, and he was hers, and Gideon intended to savor this moment, and every moment to come.
But please know that even when I tried to keep my distance, I was fighting a losing battle.”
“You are the most discerning woman I know, and have seen places and experienced things I can only imagine. I would be very grateful if you shared your opinion and insight about the work I do.” “Gideon,” she breathed against his lips, “we’re going to do so many great things together.”
But, darling, may I please have a moment to just be grateful you are unharmed? That you are in my arms, once again, where you belong?”
“In every second since I heard that gunshot echo across the home woods at Dancourt Abbey, my thoughts have been focused on you. Your safety. Your happiness. I’ve been crippled by helplessness that I could not ensure either. I’ve always prided myself as a man who accomplished difficult things, but with you gone, I fell apart. Without the help of my friends, Tyrell would have succeeded and—” She silenced him with a kiss. “But he didn’t, mi amor. I’m safe here with you.” “And I am so grateful.” A tear slipped from the corner of Ana María’s eyes and trailed down her cheek. He brushed it away with
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“You think that our marriage has caused me trouble, but you’ve only brought me joy. Strength. I have gained a partner I know will be by my side as I will be by hers. We can do the difficult things together. It’s why I’m so certain my proposal will meet with success, because we will fight for it together.”
Several times she watched him excitedly discuss a new scientific advancement with Isabel or patiently teach Gabby how to play chess, and she marveled that the somber, serious man she met all those months ago was just a facade that masked his warm and engaging nature.
“Try again, Gideon.” Gabby tsked as she shook a finger at him. “You should know the proper greeting by now. How are you to greet our family when you one day visit Mexico if you do not learn Spanish?” Her husband rolled his eyes, but wiped his mouth with a napkin, cleared his throat, and obediently said, “Buenos tardes, mi esposa bonita.”
He always tried so hard for her. For her sisters. Because that was the kind of man he was.
politics and culture is impossible to sum up in a book focused on the romance between two characters, but I will continue to share snippets of this time in history in future Luna Sisters books.
I was thrilled I could blend my cultural history with my love of the Victorian era. I look forward to sharing more of Mexico’s heritage and history with readers in book two of the Luna Sisters, Isabel and The Rogue!
