This is the teaser in the front on Lady Elinor's Escape, my Regency romance. It is Sunday, Elinor's day off from her duties as a seamstress, and Stephen has taken her to Hampstead Heath for a picnic. She is finding him fairly irresistible at this point.
Excerpt #2 from Lady Elinor's Escape by Linda McLaughlin, Amber Quill Press
"Would you like to take a walk? There is a remarkable view of the city from the top of the hill, but do not forget your bonnet. You do not wish to get freckles on that lovely complexion." He playfully touched the tip of her nose with one finger.
She laughed and donned the straw hat, but left her gloves laying on the blanket. "I never freckle."
He moved closer to tie the ribbons under her chin. The brush of his hands on her neck sent shivers through her.
"We do not want your hat to blow off. It can be windy on the hill"
He stood and held out his hand to help her up. She was acutely aware of the warmth of his bare hand enfolding hers. It was quite improper but also quite pleasant. Fingers linked, they trudged up the hill.
"Oh," Elinor gasped softly when they reached the top. London lay before her, viewed through a slight haze. Nevertheless, she could see the spires of the city's many churches. The sheer size and scope of the panorama comforted her. Surely, in such a large city, Aunt Sarah would not find her.
"Worth the walk, is it not?" Stephen Chaplin said as he let go her hand and stood behind her. He put one hand on her shoulder and used the other one to point out various landmarks. "There is St. Paul's. Do you see the dome?"
"Yes," she whispered, acutely aware of his closeness. The heat of his body seemed to envelope her and she breathed in his scent, a combination of soap and musk. She had to force herself to concentrate on what he was saying.
"That is the City, and over there," his arm swept to the right, "is Westminster and Mayfair. And in the distance, you can see the hills of Kent."
She looked past the city and saw the faint outline of hills. Turning around, she smiled up at him. "It is a lovely view. How can I thank you for such a pleasant day?"
His gaze grew more intense and he leaned toward her. Was he going to kiss her? Should she let him? Of course not, her head answered, but her heart sped up and she leaned toward him.
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Lady Elinor's Escape is available by electronic download at most third party sites and as a trade paperback through Amazon.com.
Linda McLaughlin
http://www.lindamclaughlin.com/
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