At First Sight Saturday with Author Sherry Ewing

Hello and welcome back to At First Sight Saturday. Today’s guest is author, Sherry Ewing, who gives us a ‘first sight’ look at her story, Before I Found You and introduces us to heroine, Miranda, and hero, Jasper. Be sure to leave a comment and let Sherry know what you think.

Excerpt: A young woman suddenly caught his attention as she skipped to 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 melting away 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.

“Bonsoir, mademoiselle,” Jasper pitched his voice to be heard over the music in the next room and other conversations intruding into their moment together. He swore he heard her breath catch in her throat and he waited to see if she would acknowledge him.

“Good evening to you, sir,” she replied, her voice a breathy whisper. She set her plate down on the table as though filling it had been but an excuse to keep her occupied. His near empty plate joined hers and he noticed she had taken a small nibble from the slice of cake.

Jasper waved to a servant, who quickly moved forward to offer the tray he carried. Jasper selected two crystal flutes of champagne before he hesitantly held one of the glasses toward the lady behind him. Her gloved fingers briefly touched his when she accepted his offering and Jasper’s heart raced at the contact. How could such a young miss prompt such an intense physical reaction? He didn’t even know her name.

“Perhaps you would favor me with the next dance,” Jasper said hopefully but, of course, she would decline.

“I am afraid I cannot,” she answered and her tone sounded somewhat disappointed.

“Because we have not been formally introduced?” he asked, already knowing her answer.

“Yes,” she confirmed before rushing onward, “I’m sorry.”

“Perhaps we can find someone who could remedy the situation.”

He waited. But instead of answering she placed her glass on the table, her fingers lingering on the crystal stem. He set his own glass down, their hands nearly touching. He swore he could feel the heat of her skin next to his own. He turned slightly to better see her. She looked up over her shoulder. At first, he thought her eyes were a soft brown but after she blinked, he saw that they were, in truth, hazel. His gaze moved down to her parted lips, wondering how they would taste after the champagne she had sipped and the sweet cake she had eaten.

“That would be lovely,” she finally answered. She blushed before looking away and Jasper had the urge to pull her into his arms. Not that he would ever embarrass her so. As they both turned to face the room a gentleman came and bowed before her, holding out his hand.

“I believe this dance is mine, M—”

“Y-yes, o-of course,” she quickly stammered. As she was led away, she glanced back only once, to smile at Jasper before she once more disappeared into the crowd.

Jasper stood alone wondering about the identity of this mysterious young lady and who, exactly, would be able to introduce them.

About the book:

Miss Miranda de Courtenay has only one goal in life: to find a rich husband who can change her status from Miss to My Lady. Captain Jasper Rousseau has no plans to become infatuated during a chance encounter at a ball. Their connection is hard to dismiss, despite Miranda’s quest for a title at all cost. What if the cost includes love?

Available at: Books2Read–https://books2read.com/u/4XDrva

About Sherry: 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!

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