Search here...
0
TOP
Coffee, Books & a Blog

The Lairds Lady – Excerpt Two

67 Views

Enjoy! 

An attorney, no, make that a barrister, as the gentleman called himself, had appeared at her door in Maryland announcing she was to inherit the estate of Castle Loch Haven. The previous Lord, her cousin Rollie, had died, leaving her everything.

Lady Devin Noone. A giggle threatened to escape her mouth as she bit her lip to stifle the sound.

The lush green countryside drew her attention back to the view outside the cab window. Brilliant blue skies dotted with pristine white clouds hovered above the dark blue-black waters of the lake. Whitecaps crested the waves as they crashed upon the craggy shoreline. The massive stone castle stood at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the water below. The setting reminded her of the postcards Rollie had sent over the years and the travel books she’d perused for the past two weeks.

The photos the barrister had included in the

11 Patti Shenberger

packet didn’t do justice to the castle or the surrounding scenery. The same way she felt as the new Lady of the Manor, an ugly duckling leading the swan parade. What did she know about running a castle? For that matter, she barely knew how to work half the appliances in her own apartment.

Devin straightened, angled her head for a better view, and then paused.

A man stood at the cliff’s edge, dressed in tight black pants and a billowing white shirt; bagpipes nestled securely in his grasp. Seconds before, that same spot had been empty. The mist rose from the waters to encircle his body. Tiny tendrils of vapor climbed higher and higher until he was all but consumed by the haze.

“Stop the car,” she called out, unable to tear her gaze from the figure.

The cabby complied as Devin pushed open the car door and took a few steps forward, out of the cab. Haunting strains filled the air, the sound low and melancholy. She shivered as the music carried across the land. She stood frozen, eyes focused intently on the man. It seemed he played for no one’s ears but his own. When his song ended, he lowered the bagpipes.

Her breath caught in her throat as Devin took another unsteady step forward.

The man turned, holding her captive with a single glance. His steely-eyed stare rocked her to her toes.

Her fingers clutched for the door handle, afraid if she let go her knees would give out. The moment stretched endlessly as time ceased to exist.

With a gulp, Devin forced her attention in front of her. He stood strong and silent””his posture ramrod straight as he faced her. She rubbed her eyes, and then stared again, trying to see his face. But she couldn’t. The waves were clearly visible The Laird’s Lady

through his torso. She shook her head. This was impossible. Jet lag, it must be jet lag. Her imagination had shifted into overdrive and now she was seeing things.

Once more, the mist swirled and climbed, parried then retreated before her eyes. The figure disappeared, leaving only a whisper on the breeze, the cliff empty before her.

He vanished!

«

»

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me on Instagram

https://coffeetimeromance.com/pet-costume-contest-get-your-entry-vote/?feed_id=3673&_unique_id=6703ab4bda485&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterPet%20Costume%20Contest%20-%20Get%20your%20Entry%20%26%20Vote%21270470

https://coffeetimeromance.com/pet-costume-contest-get-your-entry-vote/?feed_id=3673&_unique_id=6703ab4bda485&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterPet%20Costume%20Contest%20-%20Get%20your%20Entry%20%26%20Vote%21270470 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/win-with-turn-the-page-publishing/?feed_id=3663&_unique_id=67012723c3600&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterWin%20with%20Turn%20the%20Page%20Publishing270433

https://coffeetimeromance.com/win-with-turn-the-page-publishing/?feed_id=3663&_unique_id=67012723c3600&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterWin%20with%20Turn%20the%20Page%20Publishing270433 ...

3 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/270426-2/?feed_id=3633&_unique_id=66fffee27bc88&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20Poster270426

https://coffeetimeromance.com/270426-2/?feed_id=3633&_unique_id=66fffee27bc88&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20Poster270426 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/changeling-press-news-10-04-2024/?feed_id=3643&_unique_id=66fff5bb6190a&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterChangeling%20Press%20News%2010%2F04%2F2024270427

https://coffeetimeromance.com/changeling-press-news-10-04-2024/?feed_id=3643&_unique_id=66fff5bb6190a&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterChangeling%20Press%20News%2010%2F04%2F2024270427 ...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/octobers-reader-news/?feed_id=3623&_unique_id=66ffe28234883&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterOctober%27s%20Reader%20News270421

https://coffeetimeromance.com/octobers-reader-news/?feed_id=3623&_unique_id=66ffe28234883&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterOctober%27s%20Reader%20News270421 ...

5 1
@angela.knight.7161 New York Best Selling Author is teaching a class October 2024  Blastoff Beginnings: Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride Angela Knight examines the elements that engage the reader’s curiosity and make her care about your characters. She will explain how to design and execute a fantastic story that will land you on your readers’ auto-buy lists. #Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride #books #writing #class #booktok https://bit.ly/AK100724class

@angela.knight.7161 New York Best Selling Author is teaching a class October 2024 Blastoff Beginnings: Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride Angela Knight examines the elements that engage the reader’s curiosity and make her care about your characters. She will explain how to design and execute a fantastic story that will land you on your readers’ auto-buy lists. #Writing Opening Chapters That Take Readers Along for the Ride #books #writing #class #booktok https://bit.ly/AK100724class ...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-barbara-matteson/?feed_id=3613&_unique_id=66fc9c62e3f96&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Barbara%20Matteson270199

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-barbara-matteson/?feed_id=3613&_unique_id=66fc9c62e3f96&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Barbara%20Matteson270199 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-amber-daulton2024/?feed_id=3563&_unique_id=66fc9ae751575&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Amber%20Daulton270239

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-amber-daulton2024/?feed_id=3563&_unique_id=66fc9ae751575&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=tory%20richards&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Amber%20Daulton270239 ...

3 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sevannah-storm/?feed_id=3603&_unique_id=66fc99c63a392&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=RachelFirasek&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sevannah%20Storm270206

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sevannah-storm/?feed_id=3603&_unique_id=66fc99c63a392&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=RachelFirasek&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sevannah%20Storm270206 ...

2 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/author-newsletter-september-2024/?feed_id=3593&_unique_id=66fc0de57cc5e&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthor%20Newsletter%20-%20September%202024270257

https://coffeetimeromance.com/author-newsletter-september-2024/?feed_id=3593&_unique_id=66fc0de57cc5e&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=coffeetimeromance&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterAuthor%20Newsletter%20-%20September%202024270257 ...

3 0
Interview with Celia Breslin 
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...

Interview with Celia Breslin
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...
...

1 0
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sara-swann-barnard/?feed_id=3543&_unique_id=66fbff8f087cb&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sara%20Swann-Barnard270202

https://coffeetimeromance.com/interview-with-sara-swann-barnard/?feed_id=3543&_unique_id=66fbff8f087cb&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Rachel&utm_campaign=FS%20PosterInterview%20with%20Sara%20Swann-Barnard270202 ...

2 0