At First Sight - Before I Found You

Hello and welcome to “At First Sight Saturday.” Today’s guest is author, Sherry Ewing who gives us a ‘first sight’ look at her newest De Courtnay novella, Before I Found You from the latest Bluestocking Belles boxset, Storm & Shelter and introduces us to hero, Jasper, and heroine, Miranda. Be sure to leave a comment to let Sherry know what you think of them.

Excerpt: A young woman suddenly caught his attention as she skippe the lively patterns of the current dance. Dark brown hair was swept up in a pleasing coiffure sprinkled with what looked like diamonds winking in the candlelight of the room. Her gown was pale blue with a pink ribbon just below her breasts. She turned and the look on her face was one of bored indifference, making Jasper inwardly laugh. Had Lord de Courtenay seen in his features what this woman showed to any who cared to gaze upon her?

Jasper continued to view her from a distance. Blue sapphires hung from her ears while a delicate golden chain with the same stones and diamonds graced her neck. He continued to watch, a slow grin spreading, until the dance ended and she gave a small curtsey to her partner.

As she rose, she scanned the room and he briefly wondered whom she was looking for in the overfilled ballroom. Their gazes met and held for an instant on a heartbeat. Jasper raised his glass in a silent toast and her eyes widened before she looked away, leaving the dance floor and melted into the crowd.

His curiosity roused, Jasper drained the rest of his glass and handed the empty flute to a passing servant. He began to move, casually walking among the throng of people, hoping to catch another glimpse of the young woman who had momentarily caught his attention. His taste did not normally run to young maidens. She could hardly be older than a score of years, he surmised, as he continued searching for her. There she was, near the banquet table.

She appeared thoroughly engrossed in the delicacies before her. She at last took a small slice of cake decorated with a heart and placed the treat on her dish. Jasper took a plate for himself and slowly made his way down the table until they stood next to one another. They reached for a fruit tart at the same time. A gasp escaped her as she mumbled an apology, snatching her hand away from the dessert. She looked up to stare at him, and her mouth opened in an O of surprise, though her eyes twinkled with delight. They stood staring at one another only for a moment, then she rapidly turned away from him.

A sigh escaped him. Under Society’s protocol he must be introduced to a young woman before having a conversation with her. He turned around so they were back to back, knowing it was expected of him. He could sense she had not moved to distance herself from him. Was she, too, just as interested in knowing exactly who he was? He held back a smile.

Available: Before I Found You is in the Bluestocking Belles’ box set Storm & Shelter. Releasing on April 13^th, Storm & Shelter is currently available for preorder for only $0.99.

Learn more on the Bluestocking Belles’ website at https://bluestockingbelles.net/belles-joint-projects/storm-shelter/

About Sherry Ewing: Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. When not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist. You can learn more about Sherry and her books on her website where a new adventure awaits you on every page!