Quadrille — Beth Andrews (1)

The Regency was an era of rogues, rakes, and rebellious women. Falling in love was as common -- and as challenging -- as dancing a quadrille. In these short stories, four young ladies navigate the intricate steps that lead them to the altar and to the men of their dreams:




• A Noble Deception: In a bucolic English countryside, a handsome, dashing nobleman meets and falls for the lovely young daughter of a clergyman. When he makes her the belle of the local ball, a proposal seems inevitable.  But does she feel the same? Story originally published in Chapter One magazine.
• The Ungrateful Governess: Phillip Hayden is betrothed to Julia Gollard -- whom he doesn't care for -- when he falls in love with the family's governess. In an act of fate, he meets a young man whose own heartache may provide the solution to Phillip's dilemma. Can he conceive a plan to get what they both want? Story originally published in Romantic Interludes magazine.
• The Skylark: Adina, a beautiful, self-possessed orphan, raised by her uncle in the English countryside, goes to London for the season. Her relative, a countess, introduces her to the crème of eligible bachelors. Refusing to suffer fools, Adina embarrasses her suitors with her wit and begins to consider that her destiny might not lie with well-heeled dukes or handsome rakes.  Is her heart in London, or has she carelessly left it at home? 
• The Christmas Bride: Lord Telford, a wealthy bachelor, has a surprise visitor and learns his young niece is in dire straits. To save her, and claim her as his ward, he must find a bride. Will he sacrifice his freedom for the safety of a small child? Will he be able to find a bride in time? Story originally published in A Regency Sampler from Regency Press.