Author: Heather Boyd
A Favorite Autumn Treat: Red Lentil Vegetable Soup and fresh bread roll.
Featured Book: Miss Merton’s Last Hope
Blurb:
Over the years, Melanie Merton has used every trick and ruse to repel overeager gentlemen callers without ever revealing the real reason she won’t say yes to an offer of marriage. When neighbor Walter George jumps to her defense against slurs cast by suitor number twelve, he also pries into her past—uncovering the circumstances around a tragic loss in her childhood and her aversion to being touched by anyone. But even protective Walter must be kept at a distance for his own good, because despite a growing attraction between them, Melanie must deny him too.
Unlike other men his age in Brighton, Walter George hadn’t considered Melanie Merton for a wife because he was convinced he’d never have a chance to impress his haughty neighbor. But that was before he understood her better, before he uncovered why she kept friends and suitors alike at bay. The right husband could restore the woman he sees into some semblance of the fun-loving child of his memory, but would Walter stand a chance or become just another unlucky suitor?
Excerpt:
She did not want to do him any favors. She simply wanted Mr. Radley to go away. Instead, she said, “How can I help?”
“I’d like you to be my wife.”
His statement, and his eager smile, caught her off-guard. A marriage proposal from Mr. Radley was the last situation she ever imagined herself in when she rose this morning. She forced her breath to calm, to not snap “absolutely not”. She held her tongue those precious few moments and all for the sake of peace within her family. She didn’t really like him but she hadn’t wanted to reveal the depths of her loathing.
“You are overcome,” he murmured, and then he switched seats to sit at her side. “I completely understand, but you should not be surprised.”
She was not overcome; she was in shock. This would be her twelfth refusal—and possibly the most awkward. Linus Radley was family by virtue of their siblings’ marriage. Melanie had turned down enough suitors that the necessary words sprang from her lips easily. She did not want children of her own although everyone expected her to marry and do her duty. Her only recourse was outright denial of any man’s suit so she would avoid conception altogether. “Mr. Radley, while I appreciate the honor you do me, I cannot accept.”
His mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”
The idea of a woman refusing to marry wasn’t as easily accepted as she might wish. If she ever dared hint at a disinterest in bearing offspring, she was usually stared at as if she were out of her mind. She had learned, early in her life, to keep her feelings about the matter to herself as a consequence. Usually she claimed other reasons for her refusal, and would again today.
“You have long been my brother’s friend and you are family since his marriage to your sister. We have been acquainted many years and while I have always thought very well of you, I do not believe we would suit as husband and wife.”
His jaw set and Melanie could see hints of his temper rising. This she also knew about him, from Julia and Valentine’s passing comments about Julia’s life before her marriage.
A volatile man would not suit her as a husband if she were ever inclined to marry. She did not approve of men who could fly into a rage so easily as to make a woman afraid. She did not fear Linus, but she would never place her well-being in the keeping of a temperamental man.
She folded her hands in her lap and patiently waited for him to understand her refusal was final, and there was nothing left to do but to take his leave.
Purchase Links:
Author Bio
Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes sizzling regency romance stories that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over twenty novels and shorter works. Catch her latest news www.heather-boyd.com. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family (including cat Morpheus) into submission.
Links:
Website: http://heather-boyd.com/regency-romance/miss-mayhem/miss-radleys-third-dare/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Heather_Boyd
Facebook: http://facebook.com/HeatherBoydRomanceAuthor
Mailing List: http://goo.gl/1VMbto
Social
Great excerpt. I bet he is not used to being refused.
This is such a fun Halloween idea. Thanks for Featuring Heather Boyd today 🙂
Thank you for stopping by, Crystal! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for sharing!