Excerpt
This is the excerpt that was featured at the Meryton Press Cover Reveal for Captive Hearts.
This excerpt, in Anne’s point of view, is a look back at 1806, the summer when Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth first met. After having made the captain’s acquaintance at a dinner party the week prior, Anne has encountered him on her morning walk.
A bright smile lit up Captain Wentworth’s face, making him even more irresistible. He extended his arm.
Anne wrapped her hand around it in a slow, reverential motion. This simple action, so innocuous with any other person before him, had an immediate effect. A masculine aroma blended with leather and pine, at once pleasant, earthy, and unique to him, tantalised her. The physical contact of his muscular forearm inspired improper thoughts—not that she would ever act upon them. Still, to be safe, she held her arm aloft and restricted herself to the barest pressure. But the captain thwarted her attempt at prudence by resting his hand atop hers and leaving it there.
A quiet sigh passed her lips. She spared a glance to the graceful black steed trailing behind him. “Your horse is beautiful.”
“I thank you. Pray, allow me to formally introduce you.” He guided her into a rotating step to face the animal. “Miss Anne, I should like you to meet my good friend Jasper. Jasper, this is Miss Anne Elliot.”
She stroked the supple surface of the horse’s nose. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jasper.” She sneaked a sidelong glance at the captain. “I wonder…does your master often introduce you to his lady friends? If so, it must be difficult for you to remember all of their names.”
"Jasper knows better than to reveal my secrets.”
Anne tensed. Did his joking response hint at a capricious nature? After all, she had no idea of his true character.
His smile faded, and his bearing straightened. “Please excuse my clumsy attempt at humour. I have never introduced a lady to Jasper before, nor have I ever wished to do so. I hope you believe me.”
She took a deep breath. “I want to, but our acquaintance is new. I do not know you well.” A fiery flash of his eyes stole her focus. She swallowed.
“I want you to know me well.”
She smiled and nodded. They resumed walking.
“My brother told me that you often walk or ride in the mornings.”
“Oh.” Had Captain Wentworth asked his brother about her? “I have had several interesting discussions with your brother on the interpretations of certain Bible passages. He is more…modern in his thinking than most clergymen of my acquaintance.”
“Yes, he is.” He redirected his gaze to the grove ahead of them. “I…um…I hope I shall not alarm you when I say that since Friday night I have thought of little else but seeing you again.”
Did he speak the truth? Her stomach fluttered at the notion, but despite her heart’s yearning to trust his words, she could not—not yet. “I am not alarmed—quite the contrary. I enjoyed speaking with you last week.”
Had she said too much? Ought she to say more? His probing gaze seemed to beg for her to continue. “I…I have thought of you as well.”
He exhaled a rush of air. “Do you mean it? You have thought of me since Friday?”
“I should not say so otherwise.” Her voice cracked.
“Neither should I. I have ridden along the perimeter of your property each morning since we met in the hopes of catching sight of you. Today was the first time I crossed into your land.”
Her cheeks burned. “I am pleased you found me.”
“Now that I have, please tell me…” The captain’s captivating grin returned. “What have you read this week?”
Her answer prompted a discussion of the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft. The captain declared his admiration for the author and his endorsement of many of her opinions, including the notion that ladies ought not be denied opportunities to learn the same subjects taught to gentlemen. The thoughtful way he articulated notions considered by many to be radical further inspired Anne’s admiration.
She delayed their parting for as long as possible. This precious time alone with the captain allowed for more frank discussion than they could hope to have at any public gathering. But when they neared the turn in the path that would take them within sight of the house, she halted their progress. “I must leave you now.” She fought the urge to frown and moved to take her arm from his, but the captain stopped her.
“Just a moment, please.” He slipped his hand under hers and threaded their fingers together. A burst of comforting warmth surrounded her hand. “I must see you again. Will you meet me tomorrow morning?”
The ardency of his expression aroused a strange sort of giddiness, and her legs wobbled. “Shall we meet at the same place we did this morning?”
“Yes, thank you. Is 7:30 too early?”
She shook her head, unable to get a full breath. “No, I shall be there then.”
The soft, lingering kiss he bestowed on the back of her hand inspired a disdain for her gloves.
“Good day, Miss Elliot.” His fingers slowly released hers.
Her hand, even with the slight tingling sensation that lingered, had never felt so…bereft. “Good day, Captain Wentworth.” Anne managed her unsteady legs into a curtsy. She turned to leave, each step away from him requiring a concentrated effort. She resisted the urge to turn back until she reached the bend in the path. There, she halted and gazed behind her.
The captain remained in place. He lifted his hand in a wave. She smiled and waved back.
With a sigh, she forced herself to continue on home.
