Stephen’s condescending smile made her feel like a child. “My father is young still. I don’t plan to make the cavalry my living forever. I’ll take over the farm when I return from the Continent.”
Living. She knew he meant income, but in the context of battle it meant something completely different to her. “You don’t know that you’ll come home. You might…die.” The word created a painful lump in her throat but she was able to keep her tears at bay.
Laughing softly, Stephen plucked at one of the curls her maid had worked so hard to create. “I have no intention of dying in some field so far from home. I’ll be back before you even notice I’ve been gone.”
That was far from the truth. In her heart she would feel the moment he left. She would have an empty place in her heart that wouldn’t be repaired until he returned. “I will wait for you.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, her words meant for him alone.
Tipping his head to one side, he held her gaze and she wondered what he was thinking. Most likely he thought her a childish ninny. Yet his lips spread in a warm, kind smile. “Then I look forward to calling upon you when I return. And to standing up with you at that dance.”
About the Author
Aileen Fish is a multi-published author under several pen names, with stories ranging from historical to paranormal, or both, and heat levels from sweet to scorching. She is also an avid quilter and auto racing fan who finds there aren't enough hours in a day/week/lifetime to stay up with her "to do" list. There is always another quilt or story begging to steal away attention from the others. When she has a spare moment, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their families.
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Stay up to date with book releases at her website http://aileenfish.com or on Facebook
Do you like your romance steamier? Check out http://arithatcher.com!
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Finally, if you have a bit of time, I hope you’ll consider leaving a review. Your opinions can help readers find books that are the right fit for them and are always very much appreciated.
Other Books by Aileen Fish
Excerpts and buy links are available at http://aileenfish.com/books.html
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Regency Romance Novellas
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A Bride for Christmas
The Mistletoe Mishap
The Viscount’s Sweet Temptation
Her Secondhand Duke
Chasing Lord Mystery
A Marquess for Christmas
His Unsuspecting Heart
Earl of Basingstoke
The Rake Takes a Wife
His Heart for Christmas
Masquerading as a Miss
Rescuing Lord Ravenscliffe
His Elusive Nightingale
Once Bitten
The Duke who Loved Her
The Duke She Left Behind
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The Bridgethorpe Brides Series (Regency)
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His Impassioned Proposal
The Incorrigible Mr. Lumley (print and ebook)
Charming the Vicar’s Daughter
Her Impetuous Rakehell
Captivated by the Wallflower
One Last Season
Captain Lumley’s Angel
Betting on the Duke
That Matter of Mischief
Love’s Promises series (Victorian America)
The Lieutenant’s Promise
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Anthologies
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A Christmas Courtship
Regency Christmas novellas: The Viscount’s Sweet Temptation, A Bride for Christmas, and The Mistletoe Mishap.
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Once Upon a Happenstance
Regency novellas: Masquerading as a Miss, Rescuing Lord Ravenscliffe,and His Elusive Nightingale.
A Summons from the Duke of Danby
The Duke of Danby summons his unmarried children home for Christmas with an ultimatum. Marry, or he’ll choose a spouse for each one. Include The Viscount’s Sweet Temptation.
The Duke’s Christmas Summons
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The Duke of Danby is at it again, only now he’s working on his grandnieces and nephews. Includes A Marquess for Christmas.
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Contemporary Romance
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The Small-Town Sweethearts Series
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The Cowgirl and the Geek
Christmas in White Oak
Hope
Marni
Warming the Cowboy’s Heart
Cruising into Christmas
Soaring into his Heart
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Young Adult
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Cat’s Rule (In the anthology Wild at Heart Volume II)
Outcast (Apocalyptia Book One)
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Paranormal
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The Lives of Jon McCracken (print and ebook)
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Children’s Picture Book
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My Cousin has a Broken Heart (all proceeds are donated to the American Heart Association through Reid's Roundup)