Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn discussion
Monday Puzzler
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June 29th Puzzler -
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Thanks for stepping in Phoenix!
Thanks Phoenix! I love that scene! I'm pretty sure I haven't read it, but I like the sound of it!!! !
Oh, I think I know this! And I hardly ever know these. Is this an author who has since stopped writing historicals? The hero broke my heart.
Don't know it but it sounds good. Can't wait to find out :-)
I don't think I know it, but I've been wrong both directions before:)
This week's puzzler was One Week As Lovers by Victoria Dahl. @Theresa - You're right that she hasn't written any historicals in a while, but if Lisa Kleypas can come back...
Phoenix, we can hope! Though I do like her contemporaries too.
I do like her contemporaries and historicals, but I'm not sure if I've read this one. Thanks for sharing Phoenix :-) ♥
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Stacey is Sassy wrote: "I do like her contemporaries and historicals, but I'm not sure if I've read this one. Thanks for sharing Phoenix :-) ♥"I appreciate your comment
He glanced at her through his lashes, then down to the floor. “This is what I wished to discuss with you.”
Her pulse increased at his nervousness.
“I will not…I will not lead the life I had expected. Or that you had expected.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s a difficult subject.”
“Hero, where in the world did you get money to invest?”
“I didn’t.”
She waited, but Hero said nothing. “Please tell me so we can get past this.”
“All right.” He paced for a moment, brow furrowed, jaw jumping with tension. “I made a proposal to Somerhart. He offered me a five percent stake as part of my compensation.”
“Compensation? I don’t understand.”
“I, um…” Hero cleared his throat. “I have taken a position.”
“A position?”
“I don’t expect you to accept it. It’s nothing a woman of your elevation should have to tolerate. If you can’t…”
She waved his words away. “What kind of position? What in the world do you know about shipping?”
“Nothing. I am to be charming.”
Heroine cocked her head. “You are always charming.”
“Yes. And now I am to charm people into doing business with Huntington Shipping. For a profit. And a share in the company. I’m to charm my way into being the most coveted guest in New York society. Boston as well. Perhaps Savannah.”
“You’re not serious?”
“Yes.” He set his feet wide and stood straighter. “I’m afraid I am. I have every intention of increasing Huntington Shipping’s profits by threefold within the year. This is the path I’ve chosen, Heroine. If the idea is distasteful or—”
“It’s perfect!”
He pulled his chin in. “What?”
“You cannot possibly fail.”
“Well, don’t say that.”
Unable to contain herself, Heroine leapt from the chair and ran into his arms. “It’s perfect!” She pressed kisses to his chin and jaw and finally—finally—Hero’s arms were around her. “I’m so proud of you. Ask for my hand,” she urged.
“I will not have the same social assurance I once did. There’s already disapproval over my breaking the engagement with Miss Brandiss. Creditors are howling for my head. And there is talk about why I might have killed Richmond. If it gets out that I am employed…We’ve put it about that I’m part-owner, but that is only a half-truth, I suppose.”
“Let them talk.” She sucked at a spot on his neck while he tried to set her away. “I’m an American now. We expect ambition in our men.”
“My mother has taken to her bed and will not speak to me.”
Heroine laughed. “So long as she does not blame me for it.”
“I will have to travel, Heroine. Not always. I have my duties as viscount, but—”
She kissed his neck. “Take me with you?”
“Yes, of course I will.”
“Ask me,” she whispered.
“Heroine.” Hero eased one hand up to cup the back of her head in his hand. “Are you sure you understand? It’s not an honorable position for a man of my standing. Or a lady of yours.”
“Hero, this is…Oh, you are so very clever.” She smiled up at him.
Hero must have seen the truth in her eyes, because he finally nodded and pressed his lips to her temple, then lightly to her mouth.
“I am not clever. But I will work so hard to make you proud.”
“You do make me proud.”
His mouth moved to her ear, so that his words seemed to breathe straight into her. “Marry me, Heroine. Be my wife. Bring me joy.”