Welcome back! I've got yet another short excerpt from Love's Refrain. Lady Laura and her sister, whose name has recently been changed to Lady Miranda (long story), have arrived at the ball:
"Laura!" Miranda's wail wasn't particularly loud but came at a piercingly high pitch. Several heads turned at her demand.
"Yes, dear?"
"I need your help. Francesca must have done something awful to my hair. The pins started to fall out as I was dancing with Mr. Davis. He's such a handsome man, and a wonderful dancer, but my hair started falling down. I was mortified!"
Only one small lock of hair had fallen loose, but of course Miranda would fret if she didn't feel she looked her best.
"Let's go to the ladies' room, and I'll try to fix it," Laura suggested. She rose to go with her sister but stopped when an imperious voice called to out to her.
"May I know this young lady's name?" Lady Covington's question took them both by surprise.
Quickly recovering, Laura made the introductions. "Yes, my lady. Allow me to present my sister, Lady Miranda, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Norwood." She glanced at her sister, who curtseyed to the dowager.
"Miranda, is it? Your parents were wise to name you for a beautiful literary heroine. Lady Miranda, I would like you to meet my son, Lord Covington."
Miranda dipped into another curtsey. Andrew bowed deeply, murmuring an appropriate response.
"Lady Miranda, my son is somewhat out of practice on the dance floor. Perhaps you could help him recall the steps to the quadrille that is about to start?"
Lady Covington's request was totally unexpected and unusual, but other than the widening of Miranda's eyes and a blink from Andrew, neither party reacted, other than to accept the situation. With a nod, he led her to the dance floor.
And that is how it is done, thought Laura. She settled back to watch yet another woman live the life she could only experience in her dreams.
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As always, I'd love to read your comments! Find other excerpts at Sweet Saturday Samples.
Oh, no! Poor Laura. I sure hope somebody comes along to sweep her off her feet!
ReplyDeleteLaura will definitely be rewarded for her patience! Thanks for stopping in, SG.
Deletewell done dynamic between Laura and Miranda.
ReplyDeleteKinda reminds me of Melanie & Scarlett in GWTW ... at least this one scene.
That's a great comparison, Jeff. And we all know who had the happier marriage. But I don't think Laura's story is as tragic as Scarlett's.
DeleteOh, poor Laura! I'm sure you have something wonderful in store for her.
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely something in store for her, Elaine. Thanks so much for stopping in.
DeleteOh, how sad to be on the sidelines....hopefully that will change.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
Thank you for visiting, Laurel! And yes, Laura's a little tired of being on the sidelines.
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